By Jane Marsh
While most of America is still in the middle of winter, it’s never too early to think about pest control. As soon as the temperatures start to rise, insects and vermin come out of their winter hiding place and attack yards, gardens and houses.
One of the first reactions is to flock to the store to buy chemical pesticides. However, these chemicals harm the environment. They pose a threat to you, your pets, and the environment, which is why sustainable pest control is essential to the planet.
What is sustainable pest control?
Sustainable pest management is an environmentally friendly way to get rid of and control pests. It reduces the need for harmful chemicals. The goal of sustainable pest control is to control unwanted insects and rodents without getting rid of insects that could benefit the ecosystem.
The traditional thought process for eliminating pests has been to get rid of all insects, good or bad. However, it is much more sustainable and effective just to get rid of the problem that is harming your garden, yard, or your crops.
Below are a few reasons why sustainable pest control is essential to the planet.
1. Chemicals do not pollute the environment
Every time a chemical-based pesticide is used it has to pollute the environment. Even if you only use them in a small space, the airborne particles can get into the water and into the soil. Depending on their strength, they can stay for a few days or it can take many years to break down.
Pollution harms other animals and plants and can potentially harm you. You don’t want to risk harming the environment with chemicals when you can choose a safer, more sustainable option.
2. You will get better results
One of the goals of sustainable pest control is to only control the pest that is bothering you, your home or your garden. Targeting the pest will give you better results as this is a more specific approach rather than just killing a beetle or rodent that you see.
Over time, insects can develop resistance to chemical solutions. Sustainable solutions make it difficult for pests to get used to as they address the root of the problem.
3. Landscaping remains intact
One of the goals of sustainable pest control is to only control the pest that is bothering you, your home or your garden. Targeting the pest will give you better results as this is a more specific approach rather than just killing a beetle or rodent that you see.
Over time, insects can develop resistance to chemical solutions. Sustainable solutions make it difficult for pests to get used to as they address the root of the problem.
4. You will be healthier
Exposure to pest control chemicals can create health concerns for you and your neighbors. Pesticide exposure can cause acute symptoms such as headache, nausea, and dizziness. Chronic health problems or death can occur in other people.
Pesticides can enter you through the air you breathe or even the water you drink. Pesticides sprayed on plants can be washed away by rain and eventually end up in your drinking water system.
5. Beneficial insects can thrive
Not all insects are pests! There are so many beneficial insects that are good for your garden. With sustainable pest control, these insects can survive and keep your garden healthy.
For example, the honey bee is one of the most important insects for your garden. Without them, you can say goodbye to fruits, nuts and chocolate. Exposure to pesticides has reduced their populations, and beekeepers have actually moved to keep their hives away from farms that use pesticides.
6. Wild animals are not harmed
Sustainable pest control is critical to wildlife survival. Contaminated waterways and fields from pesticide use have killed animals and wild plants.
Even your pet could be harmed by pesticides. If you want to protect your pet and other wildlife, choose a sustainable pest control method.
Choose sustainability for the planet
There are many other pest control methods that do not use harmful chemicals. You could plant things like mint or rosemary to keep pests away. You can also add a few ducks to your home to naturally eat insects and other pests.
Find a sustainable pest control option that suits you best so you, your garden, and the environment can thrive.
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This post was previously published on emagazine.com.
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Photo credit: iStockPhoto.com
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