Pesticides and Alternatives

The pyramid explains some of the different tactics used in an IPM approach.

Consequently, pesticides include a large array of chemical types that exhibit many different biological effects (modes of action). By their nature, pesticides are designed to negatively impact various life processes. How toxic a pesticide is to humans is a complicated determination that must include several immediate "acute effects" and multiple long-term "chronic effects". Due to the difficulty of actually identifying and quantifying these effects, it is a good idea to limit exposure to pesticides of all kinds. There are 3 main ways to limit exposure:

1. Use IPM alternatives to pesticides
2. If you use pesticides, choose less toxic products
3. Always read the entire label and follow all instructions exactly (see the article, What You Need to Know about Reading a Pesticide Label)

IPM strategies:

Preventing pests and making the home harder to invade and less desirable for indoor pests is a key part of IPM. Strategies to accomplish this include:

• caulking cracks & holes
• removing water sources (leaky faucets, etc)
• keeping surfaces clean

• Selecting the best plant for the best location and maintaining plant health
• Tolerating low levels of pest infestation instead of treating every small nuisance
• Using the least toxic product that will only kill the targeted pest

IPM Controls

(adapted from Chesapeake Bay Foundation)

Traps, Barriers, and Other Physical Controls

How to choose a least toxic product:

1. Packaging and formulation: - Choose products that are packaged in child safe packaging. Ant baits are a good example because the poison is enclosed. Be sure products don't look like food or drink and never repackage a pesticide--kids can't tell the difference if it's in an unmarked bottle. - Limit your exposure by avoiding products in liquid, concentrate and aerosol form. These linger on surfaces and air and might easily be absorbed through the skin or lungs. See the pyramid below for an illustration. Less dangerous formulations are in the green=go level.
2. Active ingredient: Available pesticides come with many different active ingredients (poison component). Read the label and look at active ingredients listed before you buy a product! You can look up pesticide active ingredients on the web to learn their toxicity.

Less Toxic Products