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The use of pesticides in general has become a controversial
issue, especially in connection with pest and weed management in and
around sensitive environments like hospitals, schools, daycare
centers, playgrounds, parks and other public settings frequented by
children and the infirm. Since there is a broad spectrum of opinion
on this subject, ranging from “Do whatever you need to do to control
the pests fast and effectively” to “We need to ban pesticides
altogether”, what criteria should be used to make an informed
decision about pesticide usage?
First of all, it is interesting to note that many folks who start
out being completely anti-pesticide, suddenly accept and demand
pesticide use in and around their homes and workplaces when a pest
problem rears its ugly head in those settings. Therefore, it can be
surmised that the appropriateness of pesticide usage is relative to
the situation. If cool heads prevail, the choice of which pesticide
to use and when and where to use it should be based on these
criteria: 1) Is there a better way (that is practical to implement)
to prevent or eliminate pests than using pesticides? 2) If a
pesticide is to be used, is the target pest listed on the product
label? 3) Is the pesticide labeled for use (i.e., legal to use) in
the setting proposed? 4) Does the proposed pesticide have the
physical properties (e.g., formulation, odor, color) and chemical
properties (e.g., active ingredients, carriers and solvents) best
suited to the situation and does it pose the least risk to the
situation while providing effective control of the target pest?
[Keep in mind that not all naturally-derived (“green”) pesticides
are less toxic to humans, pets and plants than their synthetic
counterparts.] 5) Is the pesticide being applied strategically to
sites where it will affect the target pest (e.g., pest nests, trails
and hiding places) or is it being over-applied to sites where humans
are more likely to encounter it than pests are? 6) Have all the
necessary preparations been made and precautions been taken prior to
pesticide application to keep human and beneficial animal and plant
exposure risk to a minimum?
Secondly, it is important to note that many pesticide
manufacturers are responding to Federal EPA and public mandates for
new pesticides to be developed that pose reduced risk to non-target
organisms and the environment while focusing on the unique
physiology and weaknesses of the target pests (e.g., diet,
metabolism and behavior). Likewise, older classes of pesticides
which effect humans and pests alike are being phased out or more
strongly regulated / restricted in their use profile.
Finally, pest management professionals are trained and
experienced in the appropriate choice and use of pesticides and,
when called upon to render service in response to a pest infestation
or provide protection against pest invasion, do so in an
environmentally responsible manner, consistent with product label
guidelines. Pesticide misuse and abuse is more likely to occur when
applications are made by persons who are not familiar with (or
concerned about) product use instructions, safety precautions and
pest biology.
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