We won’t name names, but many pest control companies in Arizona and around the country use toxic chemical sprays and other harsh methods to deal with pest problems. Not only are these methods often unsafe for pets or people, but they’re also damaging to the ecosystem in Gilbert, AZ. Chemical pesticides are one of the main factors responsible for the current mass insect die-off impacting the entire world. Below, we’ll go into more detail about the dangers of chemical pesticides and discuss some safer, more eco-friendly alternatives to these outdated treatments.
Perils of Pesticides
There are two main harms of pesticides: human/animal health and the environment. Let’s take a look at both.
Health Hazards
For decades now, studies have demonstrated the dangers of herbicides and pesticides to human health. Many different body systems can be damaged by exposure to chemical pesticides. For example, long-term exposure to pesticides can damage the central nervous system, leading to symptoms like inability to concentrate, disorientation, anxiety, and tremors. There’s also evidence of a link between certain types of pesticides and Parkinson’s disease.
In addition, pesticide exposure can also cause more generalized symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and skin or eye irritations. Respiratory and cardiovascular disease have been linked to pesticide exposure, as have digestive problems. Another major area of concern that has wide-ranging implications for both humans and animals is the impact of pesticides on reproduction. Studies have shown pesticides cause an increase in several different reproductive issues, including stillbirths, premature birth, spontaneous miscarriage, low birth weight, infertility, and birth defects.
Ecological Impacts
Hormonal disruptions and reproductive problems are just one of several issues that impact the environment and are not the only negative environmental impacts of pesticides. Perhaps the most pressing crisis is the current mass die-off of the world’s insects. Earth is currently losing one to two percent of its insect population every year, including pollinators vital to the growth of the world’s vegetation – not to mention the human food supply – and staple insects that make up the bedrock of the food chain. While pesticides are not the only contributor to this problem (climate change and light pollution also play a role), they are a huge causal factor.
Pesticides also contaminate water, soil, and vegetation, killing plants and animals they were never intended to kill. Pesticide drift, when minute pesticide particles are suspended in the air and carried off to other locations, can also cause damaging air pollution, harming both human and animal life.
Pesticide Alternatives
As we’ve discussed, chemical pesticides cause massive damage to everything they touch. But what are the alternatives? Are you just supposed to let pests overrun your home? Fortunately, there are many alternative treatments to chemical pesticides that can both protect your home from roaches, rats, and other vermin while simultaneously preserving your health and the ecosystem.
As far as things you can do yourself, using diluted soap solutions, certain plant oils, or mild acids like vinegar can all help ward off pests. You might also try to use plants and predators to your advantage. For example, if you have a rat problem, get a couple of cats, or if you have a mosquito problem, plant some rosemary or lavender.
There are also more and more companies out there who are invested in eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides. Here at Pro Active Pest Control, our top priority is protecting our clients, their pets, and the environment. We offer eco-friendly pest solutions that are just as effective as their toxic counterparts without all of the detrimental side effects. So give us a call at (888) 335-4008 or visit our contact page to schedule your service today.