Bug Killer Tips
When using bug killers, it is important to have an understanding of how the product works and how you need to apply it to properly control the pest and protect your family, pets and wildlife. All insecticides are toxic by definition; they wouldn't kill pests if they weren't. Before choosing an insecticide, you can research safety issues, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency's website has detailed pesticide information for consumers. Does this Spark an idea?
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Proper Application
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Proper application is the key to staying as safe as possible with insecticides, and getting the desired effect. All pesticides come with a signal word stating the danger level, which also can help you make the decision of which product to use. It also might be illegal to use the product in a way in which it was not intended, or even by applying too much. The proper application of your chosen insecticide also includes only using it on specific insects, specific plants or areas such as indoors or out.
Wildlife, Pets and Children
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Some insecticides can damage or kill other types of wildlife in your yard or area. Wildlife that the pesticide could possibly harm includes birds, either by direct contact or by eating infected insects; fish if the pesticide seeps into the water supply; beneficial insects and arthropods; and mammals that may either eat the infected insects or come into contact with the applied pesticide. Often times, proper application can minimize the possibility of adverse side effects on the other wildlife species in your yard.
Pets and children can also become ill or have bad reactions to insecticides. Unlike adult humans, children will play in the yard or around plants where you applied the insecticide. They may also crawl or sit on the application area, exposing their skin to the toxic chemicals. Pets are the same, and they may accidentally eat a plant or insect that you treated with insecticides. Insecticides can be toxic when inhaled, ingested or when they come into contact with skin or eyes.
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Going Natural
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There are countless natural insecticides available for consumers. Some insecticides come from plants. Pyrethrin is derived from chrysanthemums, for example. Other natural, safer products include neem oil and diatomaceous earth. Soaps also are more natural insecticides and not as toxic to people and other wildlife. According to New Mexico University Cooperative Extension Service, Ivory brand liquid dishwashing detergent is the most consistent and is simple to make into an insecticide by diluting it to a 1- to 2-percent solution.
Managing Pest Populations
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Often times, ridding your plants, home or yard of insect pests is best achieved when you use an integrated pest management system. The word "integrated" refers to integrating various types of control into the program such as cultural, mechanical and chemical insecticides. Cultural and mechanical control involve planting resistant plants, sealing insect entrances to your home and inviting beneficial predators such as ladybugs and mantids to your area.
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References
- United States Environmental Protection Agency: Read the Label First: Protect Your Household
- United States Environmental Protection Agency: Read the Label First: Protect Your Pet
- United States Environmental Protection Agency: Read the Label First: Protect Your Kids
- New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service: Organic Gardening-Natural Insecticides; L.M. English, Extension Entomologist; July, 2005
Resources
- Photo Credit Bug image by barry1 from Fotolia.com
