Least Toxic Pesticides
Not long ago, pesticides were the only answer when a pest was disturbing the normal operations of a house, garden, or farm, and the more potent the pesticide the better. Plummeting populations of species other than targeted pests, sickness in humans, and the growing resistance of many different target species made people look twice at what exactly these pesticides were doing, and as a result the population in general is more aware of the harmful side effects of potent chemicals and more interested in pesticides that are least toxic. In this article, we will take a look at some pesticides which are low in toxicity that are in use today.
Definition of a pesticide
A pesticide is always a substance, or mix of substances used to deal with pests and the damage they cause. It can be lethal or just repelling, and the term applies to substances used for anything from insects to rodents. The important thing to remember is that pesticides are synthetically created and controlled; a venus fly trap would not be considered a pesticide but a biological deterrent.
Different kinds of pesticides and the least toxic applications
Sprays: Sprays are most commonly used against insect pests. The goal is to have a harmful material soak into the body of the offending pest, killing it. Prays often contain a high concentration of a material that is potentially lethal to an insect, such as tobasco sauce, boric acid, and even garlic. The strength of the solution mix depends on the insect involved; the mighty cockroach, for example, is only affected by a high boric acid concentration. Pyrethrin based sprays are also least toxic and still remain effective.
Soaps: The lye found in most soaps will also directly attack the nervous system of many types of pests, causing death. Again, the key is in the ingestion of the material; as long as humans don’t ingest the soap it is not harmful/toxic.
Dust: Dusting is commonly used to destroy the eggs and larvae of common pests such as lice, fleas, and even cockroaches. Again, boric acid is an especially effective pesticide ingredient, although in dust it is very important that the person applying the dust wears a mask and gloves. Diatomaceous earth is also effective in smothering fleas, termites, and eggs that could be found on pets and in the carpet. This substance must also be handled with care, applied to pets in small doses, and not used on humans.
Basically, the least toxic pesticides are those which are used in the least concentration, and which contain the least amount of synthesized ingredients. They should still be used only on the immediate area occupied by the pest.