Lawn Pesticide Best Practices

Pesticides are a chemical or a combination of chemicals that are used to kill insects and pests. These chemicals are often applied to a lawn or green space with the intention of ridding the space of that insect, or animal. These chemicals are used as a last resort to manage insect and pest infestations and come with arguable opinions on the safety of their application.

There are times when pesticides are required to deal with a problem of insects, infestations – or other lawn maladies. It is important to remember that pesticides are chemicals and as with any chemicals it is crucial to follow the instructions and be fully aware of the toxic nature of the substance.

There are a few types of basic lawn pesticides that contain more than two-hundred legal chemicals found in pesticides. Common pesticides include; Beygon, Triumph, Oftenal and Acephate. Although it is lawful to apply these to residential lawns it is important to have an understanding of the components and the precautions that should be taken during and after application.

While using pesticides it is important to remember that there should be contact with the lawn in the suggested period of time. It is important to rope off the lawn, post signage and ensure that children and animals are kept from the lawn.

Rather than using a blanket of chemicals on a lawn consider the option of treating the spots that are infested and most offensive. This will assist in a significant decrease of the insects – and still leave the lawn healthy and chemical free.

There have been many studies indicating the dangerous nature of pesticides within animals. The risk of dogs developing cancer was four to seven times more in a dog exposed to pesticides than a dog that had not been exposed. Not only is pesticide use considered to be a carcinogen in animals but there have been numerous studies that demonstrate pesticides correlating with cancer in humans. Pesticides are an unnatural method of lawn care – complete with foreign chemicals that we ingest through or skin, or nasal cavity and our clothing. One would be shocked if they were aware of the chemicals in the pesticides and than found them locally in their home.

It is important while using any pesticides to make use of the signage provided with the packaging or Pesticide Company to inform others that the lawn has been treated with chemicals.

Pesticides contain harmful chemicals that do not remain on the lawn. These chemicals are traced onto our clothing, shoes and into our homes from the traffic across a treated lawn. A significant percentage of children are admitted to the emergency room with symptoms after crawling across a lawn that has been sprayed with so-called safe pesticides.

Alternative to the use of chemical pesticides are the use of microbial pesticides. These are often referred to as organic pesticides. Organic pesticides are increasing in popularity due to the rising concern about “going green”. Organic pesticides are not only safer for the environment but safer for children, pets and the person applying the pesticides to the lawn. Organic pesticides are comparable in price to chemical pesticides and have become equally effective in ridding the lawn of insects.

Alternative to the use of chemical, or organic pesticides there are steps that can be taken to rid the lawn of pests. Proper aeration, natural fertilizer, the removal of thatch, proper mowing height, and a healthy amount of earthworms will help to alleviate pests as good as any chemical application.

Pesticides are an effective way to rid the lawn of infestations and insects. Often times there are no other measures that can be taken as the problem may have become too vast. Pesticides come with the stigma of being dangerous and it is important to know what you are applying to the lawn. Read labels, ask questions and be aware because chemicals are often dangerous.

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