What Are Lawn Pesticides?
Lawn pesticides are materials used to control insects, weeds, diseases and a host of other pests—not just insects. You might also see the individual materials that fall under the blanket term “lawn pesticides” referred to by a more specific name that indicates what the material treats: insecticide (insects), herbicide (weeds), fungicide (fungi), acaricide (ticks and mites), or rodenticide (rodents). These materials can be synthetic (man-made) or, in the case of organic lawn pesticides, biological and biorational (derived from items in nature).
Hidden Pesticides Around You
There are many common household items we do not normally perceive as pesticides, yet they are. For instance:
- Clorox® Regular-Bleach, used in washing clothes, is an EPA-registered pesticide.
- Common soap mixed with water and sprayed onto potted plants is considered a pesticide.
- A pet's flea collar is a pesticide.
- Your lawn care service may use pesticides.
- The surgical room at a hospital has been treated with pesticides.
So, does this mean that pesticides are safe or dangerous? It means neither, but there are things you should be aware of.
Chemical Lawn Pesticide Use or Abuse
All of us have a responsibility to help ensure against misuse of a lawn chemical by becoming complacent or uncaring. Remember, a chemicals for your lawn can be misused in several ways:
- Applying too much ("if a little is good, a lot is not better").
- Plants and animals can be sensitive to chemicals. The improper use of lawn chemicals may cause injury and/or sickness.
- Pouring unused or excess materials down the kitchen drain, toilet, or gutter outside is a direct pollutant to our water systems and soils.
Reduced Usage of Lawn Pesticides
The Natural Alternative® and the Alternative® lawn programs developed by NaturaLawn of America have been able to reduce the use of insect and weed control pesticides by over 85% as compared to traditional chemical lawn care and spray companies. This equates to several thousand gallons of lawn pesticides being eliminated from our environment.
Integrated Pest Management for Minimal Lawn Pesticides
We do this through the use of our proprietary products that feed the soil and create a healthy environment for the lawn and soil organisms. Our IPM program allows us to make environmentally responsible decisions regarding the use of control materials, and our dedication to using biological materials further reduces the amount of synthetic lawn pesticides being introduced into the environment.
Before using any lawn pesticide, please read the directions on the label and follow the safety precautions. Remember, children don't always know the difference between something pretty and something poisonous.
You shouldn't have to choose between having a healthy lawn and a healthy family and planet. For safer lawn care, please contact us today to get started.
A Company You Can Trust With Lawn Pesticides
At NaturaLawn of America, we understand the public's concern and know about the dangers and impact that a misused lawn pesticide can have on the environment and ourselves. Pesticides (and all lawn chemicals) are like machines; they cannot think or make decisions. We must do that for them.
FAQ about Lawn Pesticides
1. What are lawn pesticides?
Lawn pesticides are substances used to control pests such as insects, weeds, diseases, and more. They can be categorized based on what they treat, such as insecticides for insects, herbicides for weeds, fungicides for fungi, acaricides for ticks and mites, and rodenticides for rodents. These materials can be synthetic (man-made) or biological and biorational (derived from items in nature).
2. Are common household items considered pesticides?
Yes, many common household items are considered pesticides. For example, Clorox® Regular-Bleach, used in washing clothes, is an EPA-registered pesticide. Similarly, common soap mixed with water and sprayed onto potted plants is considered a pesticide. Even a pet's flea collar is a pesticide.
3. Are pesticides safe or dangerous?
Lawn pesticides are neither inherently safe nor dangerous. Their safety depends on how they are used. Misuse can lead to environmental damage and health risks. For example, applying too much pesticide, improper use causing injury or sickness, or improper disposal of excess materials can all lead to harmful effects.
4. How can the usage of lawn pesticides be reduced?
Companies like NaturaLawn of America have developed lawn care programs that have reduced the use of insect and weed control pesticides by over 85% compared to traditional chemical lawn care and spray companies. This is achieved through the use of proprietary products that feed the soil and create a healthy environment for the lawn and soil organisms.
5. What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
IPM is a program that allows for environmentally responsible decisions regarding the use of control materials. It involves using biological materials to further reduce the amount of synthetic lawn pesticides being introduced into the environment.
6. What precautions should be taken before using any pesticide?
Before using any pesticide, it's important to read the directions on the label and follow the safety precautions. Remember, children may not know the difference between something pretty and something poisonous.
7. Can I have a healthy lawn without using harmful pesticides?
Yes, you don't have to choose between having a healthy lawn and a healthy family and planet. There are safer lawn care options available that significantly reduce or eliminate the use of harmful lawn pesticides.
