Understanding Pesticides

What exactly are pesticides?
The word pesticide is a general term used to describe any substance that is used to kill a pest or prevent or reduce the damage they cause.

Most pesticides fall into certain categories.
Each category targets certain types of pests. It is important that you use the correct product for the job.

Disinfectants (kill bacteria, mold and mildew)

• Bleach
  
• Ammonia
  
• Disinfectant aerosols
  
• Kitchen & bathroom cleaners
  
• Tub & tile cleaners
  
• Pool & spa cleaners

Insecticides (kill or repel insects, ticks and mites)

• Garden dusts
  
• Soap sprays
  
• Mosquito repellents, bug sprays
  
• Ant and roach baits
  
• Flea shampoos, flea and tick collars
  
• Moth balls

Herbicides (kill weeds or unwanted plants)

• Weed killers
  
• Weed-and-feed lawncare products
  
• Cut-stump treatments

Fungicides (kill mold, mildew and other fungi)

• Rose and flower sprays
  
• Treated seeds
  
• Paint additives to prevent mildew growth

Rodenticides (kill rodents such as mice and rats)

• Mouse and rat bait stations

Wood Preservatives (protect wood from insects and fungi)

• Pressure-treated wood

How can I identify a pesticide?
All pesticides can be identified by the presence of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration number (e.g., EPA Reg. No. 1234-567). By law, this number must be located on the product container or label of all pesticides. Before any produce can be sold or used as a pesticide, the EPA reviews all appropriate data to ensure the produce will not cause undue risk to people or the environment.

Are pesticides dangerous?
Yes, they can be. That is why anyone using pesticides must read and follow the instructions provided on the produce container or label - its not only smart, it's the law! The danger of any product is evaluated not only by it's toxicity, but also by the degree of your exposure to the product. As Paracelsus, the "father" of modern toxicology, put it, "the dose makes the poison."

Pesticides are not the only poisons - plants, fungi and bacteria produce some of the most toxic compounds known to man. Nature is the "best" chemist.

Are pesticides important?
As you saw in the prior information, pesticides are valuable to us in many ways. They help us to control or reduce hundreds of pests in and around our home as well as in agricultural and commercial settings. Others help to maintain our health; disinfectants are used to cleanse kitchens and bathrooms and repellents are used to ward off nuisance insects and ticks that can carry disease.

Are pesticides necessary?
Sometimes pesticides are necessary, but not in every situation. Often times a good understanding of the pest, and the damage it is capable of, may allow us to prevent future problems or decide not to control the pest at all. Non-chemical control methods such as hand-picking, cleaning up garbage or food scraps and proper plant care can often reduce or eliminate pest problems.

Spring 1997
Planting Roses | Integrated Pest Management for Vegetable Gardens | All America Selections 1997 Winners | Easter Lilies | Winter Problems of Lawns | Seeding and Sodding Lawns | Bug Bites: Understanding Pesticides | Lawn Care Calendar | Hort Shorts | Hort Tips | Food Safety: Seafood Selection & Handling | Healthy Cooking: Plan to Use More Herbs | Fitness & Exercise: Do You Need a Weightier Workout Than Walking? | Health Update: Food, Fitness and Health Quiz

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