THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PESTICIDES

Choosing an pesticide seems easy. You see the expensive mass advertising all the time. Actually smelling them, and reading their labels can and should make you uneasy. Sometimes, those labels leave you longing for a better science and chemistry background! You absolutely should be concerned about the safety of you and your loved ones. There are many brands with only a few approved chemicals which are questionably effective. Here are 10 questions everyone should ask about pesticides.

- Do I really need to use a pesticide? Maybe, maybe not. Find out how they’re getting in and where they’re finding food and water. Maybe the house just needs a good old fashioned chore day. A through cleaning of all infested rooms, even those that seem to be pest free, is a good start. Use soap and water on all washable surfaces, and vacuum.

- Is it safe for children? Well, what does the label say? Do not breathe spay mist? Keep pets and children away from treated areas? In case of skin or eye contact flush with plenty of water? Do not enter the bombed area for 24 to 48 hours? Call poison control immediately? Can cause death or serious injury? Are these things you really want to be spraying where you eat and sleep?

- Should I spray where the pests are getting in? Sprays are only effective for a limited time on surfaces. Make sure you’re not leaving doors open unnecessarily and that screens are in tact. Caulk, grout and seal all their entrances and exits. Use chemicals sparingly!

- Is it safe for pets? Probably not! They may lick treated areas. They may track the insecticide thorough your home onto your dining room table or into your bed!

- What is an organophosphate? Simply, they interfere with pests natural body functions. Unfortunately, YOU are also an organic organism! These chemicals have been used as weapons in wars.

- What is a carbamate? This is actually nerve agent! It interferes with the pest’s (and your) nervous system. Again, something used as a weapon of war.

- Should I wear gloves when I handle pesticides? Yes! And choose a glove rated against the chemical you’re using. Your skin absorbs fluids and can access your blood stream.

- Should I wear a mask when I am applying pesticides? Yes! And choose a mask rated against what you’re spraying. Hardware stores usually carry face masks and can help.

- What if I feel sick, strange, tired, etc… after using an insecticide? Get professional help immediately! Don’t hesitate to call 911! Paramedics are trained to handle these cases.

- What if I can’t get rid of the infestation after all of this? You may need a professional exterminator. They know. There are some exterminators who use much safer interventions then others. Choose wisely.

Most pesticides are very dangerous because the object is to kill something and deter others. Some of the chemicals actually had military use! There are better solutions out there, such as cleaning your home and sealing cracks. Start simple and don’t hesitate to call in the experts.