Pesticides for Garden Use
Pest Control Tips for Homeowners
Pesticde safety is not an exclusive for the nurseryman or
farmer. Homeowners who apply pesticides to the garden and landscape
need to carry the same concerns for protection.
The growing season brings not only warmer weather along with
new plant growth but also pests and fungus to attack our roses
and other outdoor bushes and trees. To fight off the fungus
and insects which can devour our foliage and make our blooms
unattractive.
Spider mites if left unchallenged can defoliate a rose bush
in a matter of days. To wage war on these natural plant terrorist
with the goal of creating a healthy environment for our plants
to develop and prosper, the use of chemical pesticdes usually
comes in to play.
Pesticides
when used properly do a very good job of controlling and protecting
plants in the landscape against pests and fungus. Pesticides
also carry the potential to harm people, pets, wildlife and
the effect the environment when used as not specificed on the
label or used unwisely.
As toxic as a pesticide chemicals can be to humans, the do offer
many benefits and it is possible to safely and harmlessly handle as
well as apply pesticides with little risk. For starters using a pesticide
properly even homemade pest control
for ants or the garden requires a basic knowledge and understanding
of pesticides.
Pesticide applicators must:
- Be aware of what they are doing
- Know the chemical being applied and respect the effects and dangers
- Understand correct use of the personal protection equipment required for proper application
- Be trained in the use of the application method
- Posess some common sense
Pesticide knowledge plays an important role when determining
the specific use and what type of pests you are trying to control.
For example, the chemcial “Malathion” is used to
control insects where the chemical “Avid” a miticide
is used to battle mites.
In order to control pests and disease on plants and use them
properly its important to understand that plant chemicals work
much drugs we take. Each drug works on a specfifc problem.
Insecticides, miticides and fungicides all fight different
plant problems. Selecting the right pesticide is as important
in using pesticides properly.
How Toxic is Toxic?
Without
getting technical pesticides are grouped into “levels”
and carry the following “words” on the bottles,
bag or canisters describing the level of potential harm
Notice none of the categories listed are “non-toxic.”
This means caution should always be used when handling these
chemicals - even if the a pesticide only carries a small likelihood
of being harmful. This is not limited to pesticides –
household bleach carries a DANGER warning!
Getting Protective
When making the decision to use pesticides on the lawn or in
the garden, personal protection from pesticide exposure before,
during and after use are of primary importance.
Using pesticides saftley and limiting pesticide exposure may
require protective clothing including:
Most pesticides are harmful when inhaled, absorbed through
the skin or coming in direct contact through the eyes or on
the skin. The body needs adequate protection to minimize any
chemical contact.
