The Scoop on Pesticide Use

And Alternative Choices

Many birders & wildlife enthusiasts think about pesticides; they picture pesticides being dumped from crop-dusters or our local city officials spraying for mosquitos.  What most of us don't think about is that one of the major threats to wildlife is the chemicals we use right in our own backyards!

The Numbers

According to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Pesticide Programs website, more than 4.5 billion pounds of chemicals are used as pesticides annually in the United States.  Agriculture accounts for three-fourths of conventional pesticide use, varying from about 600-800 million pounds annually, depending on weather and other factors.  In recent years non-agricultural use has been steady at about 200 million pounds annually, with home-owners using 76 million pounds.  The professional market accounts for the remaining 124 million pounds. 

Nearly $14 billion was spent in 2003 in the U.S. alone on pesticides, and the average homeowner spent upwards of $50.00 a year on these pesticides. There are about 20,700 pesticide products with nearly 900 active ingredients!

What's the problem?

The problem, of course, is that many pesticides pose a risk to humans, wildlife, and the environment.  Everyone has heard stories about the negative impacts of pesticides on the environment.  Most recently, pesticides have been identified as a leading factor in the decline of native pollinators, such as bees, wasps and butterflies.  And, of course, when used improperly or carelessly, they can pose mild to severe health risks to people and pets. 

The dilemma:

Three out of four homeowners use pesticides in their yard, and many of these pesticides pose a risk to birds and wildlife.  I suspect that many of you who feed birds, squirrels, etc., and plant flower gardens are also active with landscaping, fruit and vegetable gardening and lawn care. Pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals are probably stacked in your garages right next to the feeders and bird seed. 

Points to remember:

First, pesticides, and other chemicals, when used properly, are critically important. Eliminating these from our backyards and neighborhoods is unrealistic.  In reality, many of these products are used by wildlife managers and conservationists.  Pesticides and related chemicals do have their place.  Our goal should be responsible use that minimizes damage to the environment.  The key is identifying the pest, choosing the proper control, and making sure that pesticides are used properly.

Information is essential:

Check the label on any pesticide container and you will find lots of information about its proper use.  There are usually clear and specific guidelines about wildlife impacts, such as not using the product near streams or waterways where fish and other aquatic organisms might be impacted.  Following these directions is essential.  Improper and careless use of pesticides is one of the leading reasons for damage to the environment and health threats to people and wildlife.  If you use professional pest control services in your yard or home, talk to your service about health and wildlife concerns.  Don't hesitate to tell these people that you are concerned about wildlife, and point out certain parts of your yard that are maintained for that purpose. 

Alternatives to chemicals:

Many common pest issues can be handled effectively without chemicals.  Mosquitos, for example, can be managed by eliminating standing water where they can breed.  Think about things like old dog dishes, plant pots and empty garbage cans when eliminating places for water to stand, especially during the rainy season.  Some common shrub and vegetable pests can also be controlled by hand with mild solutions of soapy water.  Simply wiping the plants with a soapy rag can help eliminate aphids and other insects.  The use of biological control such as ladybugs, praying mantis and other insect predators can help control insects naturally.  Creating an environment where natural predators are abundant will help keep many pests at levels that are tolerable.

There are also many organic 'substitutions' for chemicals that work quite well, listed below are just a few insecticides we are fond of:

• Insecticidal soap is one of the most environmentally friendly insecticides. It is made from potassium salts of fatty acids, and it kills insects both by smothering them and by drying out their waxy outer skin. Registered for use with 16 different pests including aphids, mealy bugs, spider mites, psyllids, sawfly larvae, soft scales, thrips and whiteflies.

• Pyrethrin and soap insecticide for use on flowers, vegetables, shrubs and ornamentals. Kills insects on contact yet is gentle on plants. May be used up to day of harvest. Concentrate is easy to mix with water and is effective against a broader range of pests than the ready-to-use formula.

• Safer BioNEEM Insecticide and Repellent kills or repels aphids, beetles, caterpillars, leafminers, thrips, whiteflies and other pests on fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamentals, and around the house.

• Victor Poison-Free Ant Killer kills ants, roaches, waterbugs, silverfish, centipedes, crickets and spiders but is safe around pets and kids. Made with mint oil, Victor Poison-Free Ant Killer is certified poison-free. Works for up to 4 weeks.

• Insecticidal oil for use on fruits, nuts, evergreens and woody plants to control scale, mites, sooty mold, white flies and mealy bugs.

• Diatomaceous earth is an odorless powder made of finely ground shells of fossilized diatoms, which are fresh-water living organisms. The microscopic edges of the ground shells are very rough, scratching the outer protective surface of insects, causing them to dry out and die. It also acts as a barrier which slugs and crawling insects do not like to cross. Diatomaceous Earth Crawling Insect Killer kills slugs, ants, millipedes, centipedes, earwigs, cockroaches and other insects with 48 hours of contact.

   

  These are just a few choices that may work for you in your quest for a 'chemical free' landscape. For a more complete selection of natural or chemical free controls for your garden check with your local extension office, they have specialists ready and willing to help you!