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Poisoning pests

Use of pesticides is always a contentious subject as there are people on all sides of the issue.

Use of pesticides is always a contentious subject as there are people on all sides of the issue.

All pesticides organic or non-organic effect the environment to some extent as they rid the environment of perceived pests. Some of these pests are part of the natural food chain, others are introduced.

Initially, it took little effort to market a pesticide. Now stringent studies and testing must be completed before the government will license, or renew pesticide license.

The number of pesticides that were available to homeowners has diminished over the last few years, encouraging gardeners to try other methods.

Knowing and understanding the insect’s life cycle can provide effective ways to deal with problem insects. Take cabbage moths as an example. A barrier such as a row cover can prevent cabbage moths from laying eggs on the cabbages. If the eggs are not laid, the caterpillars do not develop to eat the plants.

Before making a choice about what chemical to use or not use, do some research to find out how toxic the chemical is, how it works and what are the side effects.

How the chemical works is in direct relation to how toxic it is to humans and other mammals. Insecticides that work by disrupting the insect’s nervous system will likely have the same reaction on mammals.

Chemicals that disrupt insect’s growth cycles or puncture their outer coverings are usually less disruptive to the environment.

Chemical fact sheets are available from agricultural offices, county offices and establishments that sell chemicals.

Read the sheets as they will provide a wealth of information. Look for a LD50 number that relates to how much chemical it takes to kill 50 per cent of the mice; the lower the number the more toxic the chemical.

It will also list the chemical’s half-life. How long it takes for half the chemical concentration to break down and disappear from the soil or plants.

It should also include information if the chemical breaks down or leaches into the ground water.

Side affects from chemical poisoning vary with each pesticide but common signs are often: rashes, dizziness, vomitting and diarrhea. Long term effects also vary with the different chemicals used. Some are carcinogenic others are not.

When using a pesticide, read the label and follow the directions.

Labels must tell what pest the product is licensed to eradicate. It must also list the types of plants or animals that it can be used on safely. Do not assume that it can be used safely on anything that is not listed. If using chemicals for another purpose was advisable, it would be stated on the label.

Follow the mixing and application instructions. A stronger dosage is not a good idea. Stronger mixtures of herbicides can burn the top foliage and not allow the chemical to reach the plants roots to make a good kill. Dependent on the chemical, stronger dosages can stay in the soil longer or affect more groundwater.

Precautions should be taking when applying pesticides. Wear protective clothing, have a shower and change clothes when the job is complete.

Spray in the early morning to avoid contact with people or pets. Do not spray if there is a breeze as spray travels on the wind and can affect neighbouring areas.

It is courteous to discuss spraying with the neighbours beforehand.

Good communication makes for a better neighborhood.

Dispose of the remaining pesticides correctly. Place them in a closed container and deliver them to a waste transfer station that accepts chemicals.

Linda Tomlinson is a horticulturalist and educator living in Rocky Mountain House. You can contact her at your_garden@hotmail.com