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July 7th, 2010
In the 1970s, the weed killer Roundup was introduced. It proved that it could kill nearly any plant while still being safer compared to other herbicides. Because of this, it allowed farmers to give up harsher chemicals and to lessen soil plowing which leads to soil erosion.
However, 24 years later, some species of weeds resistant to Roundup have developed, which forced farmers to return to some of the harmful practices they decided to abandon years ago. The situation is especially felt in the South, where some farmers are walking their fields using hoes to kill weeds. The problem is even spreading across the Corn Belt and beyond.
Roundup was proven to be unreliable in killing at least 10 weed species in 22 states. And some species of weeds grow fast and big, usually producing tens of thousands of seeds.
When Roundup was introduced by Monsanto in 1976, Gary Niemeyer said, “It was like the best thing since sliced bread.” Niemeyer grows corn and soybeans in central Illinois. Roundup, also known generically as glyphosate, is absorbed by the plants’ leaves and kills them by blocking the proteins which they need to grow. It is also a minimal threat to the environment because it quickly combines with the soil and becomes inactive.
Monsanto also introduced seeds which survived Roundup, and it categorically made things better for farmers since they could use the weed killer on their budding crops to kill the weeds beside them. These GMO seeds now account for 90% of the nation’s soybeans and 70% of corn and cotton. Naturalists and organic farmers continue to fight against it, and consumers are becoming more aware of the genetically modified disaster that is now America’s main food source.
The increased use of Roundup led to only a slight decrease of herbicide use on corn from 2.76 pounds an acre in 1994 to 2.06 in 2005, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Farmers were also able to cut back and even eliminate soil tilling which in turn reduces soil erosion and fuel use.
However, just like any other herbicide, the more it is used, the more it is likely to encounter species of plants with the right genetic makeup to survive what mostly kills other species. And, with every generation, the percentage of these herbicide resistant plants grows larger. The first weeds which survived Roundup in the US were found 10 years ago in Delaware.
Monsanto, on the other hand claims that the number of resilient plants are overstated. They say that most weeds show no sign of immunity. The company has even started paying cotton farmers $12 an acre to pay for other herbicides to use together with Roundup in order to increase its success.
These events confirmed the belief of some food safety groups that the growth of biotechnology will not decrease the use of chemicals in the long run. Agricultural experts say that the use of other chemicals is increasing. Monsanto and other companies are growing new seeds which are resistant to old herbicides like dicamba and 2,4-D. 2,4-D is a weed killer and a 50% ingredient in Agent Orange, which was said to cause numerous health problems for veterans. These two herbicides easily flow beyond the areas where they are sprayed. This could pose a threat to nearby crops and plants and may also harm wildlife.
Organic farmers & growers continue to prove that proper use of organic pesticides and organic fertilizer greatly increase soil quality and reduce weeds to a large extent.
Posted in pesticides | 2 Comments »
July 6th, 2010
Did you know that millions of people use insect repellent products that contain DEET? Every time they spray or apply to their skin, clothes, or grub on food right after they have applied products containing DEET, they inhale, absorb, and ingest toxins. Yes, it is true. DEET has proven effective at repelling flying bugs like flies and mosquitoes, but questions constantly arise as to whether DEET causes health problems for humans or not. Natural insect repellent products do not pose that risk.
“DEET is not at all harmful when used according to the directions on the label,” states the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Then again, this opinion is solely based on the fact that DEET is not supposed to be applied to the skin. This has become common misleading information in the medical and pharmaceutical fields – to say Deet based products stay outside the body and do not come in contact with the blood stream or internal organs in the body. In reality, as many experienced medical researchers know, almost all of the chemicals that are applied on the skin, most especially in liquefied form, are absorbed or ingested and go through the blood stream. DEET has long been researched and proven to cause neurological illnesses and problems. It first enters the bloodstream, then triggers the nervous system, usually causing dangerous seizures and at times, even death. Few people realize it is especially harmful to children and babies! For this reason alone, parents of children should avoid using deet based products and safely use natural insect repellent.
Though it is “safe”, the EPA has even advised people not to use DEET very often. In opposition, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a once-a-day application of DEET for children. What do these organizations tell us? That it’s ok to poison ourselves, a little at a time? One could argue that they are definitely sending the wrong message to consumers. It’s a good thing that further studies are being done to contradict these recommendations for use of deet based products. One such study was conducted by the Duke University Medical Center where they concluded that the continuous and prolonged body application of DEET kills neurons in the brain.
Individuals who are serious about protecting their health and the health of their children from products that contain hazardous chemicals like DEET, should consider natural insect repellent like Wondercide Biter Fighter™. Other essential oil based products are available in the market as well. Natural Insect repellents that contain soybean oil oftentimes consist of cloves and cinnamon oil or other amazing oil extracts found in nature. Yes, these natural insect repellents actually work and are equally effective, but most people aren’t aware that these products are even available to them.
There is no doubt that insect repellents that contain DEET are very effective. There is also no doubt that chemical exposure is linked to neurological disorders which range from ADHD to Alzheimer’s. Why take that risk if you don’t have to? Natural insect repellent is the clear choice for a healthy family!
Posted in Natural Insect Repellents, green pest control | 1 Comment »
July 1st, 2010
Question: Which types of insect repellents are safe to use on your baby? 
A. The same repellents adults use
B. Repellents that contain up to 30 percent DEET or picaridin, once your baby is 2 months old
C. Natural products that are DEET FREE
D. No bug repellents are safe to use on babies
Surprisingly, many mommy & baby focused websites had related articles that suggest answer B.
That is both surprising and appalling. Most parents who ask that question would never even consider using Deet on their baby, infants, toddlers, children or themselves if they understood how truly toxic it is. When the Doctor and the AAP tell you it’s safe, it’s time to look for a new doctor and understand who is being funded by big pharma & chemical companies. How can any doctor or association caring for babies suggest that Deet is not a highly toxic chemical? Let’s look at the guidelines below and decide for ourselves:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends not using any insect repellents on a baby who’s not yet 2 months old. Products containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) or picaridin are both recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for adults and children 2 months of age and older. (The CDC has also recommended oil of lemon eucalyptus, but not for children younger than 3.)
Guidelines for using repellents that contain DEET or picaridin:
• Apply repellent sparingly to your baby’s exposed skin, not to the skin under his clothes.
• Don’t put repellent close to your baby’s eyes or mouth, and avoid cuts and skin irritations.
• Don’t put repellent on your baby’s hands, because they’ll inevitably find their way into his mouth.
• Wash off the repellent when you come inside, and launder your baby’s clothes immediately.
• Don’t spray repellents in enclosed areas or near food.
• If your baby develops any kind of rash while wearing the repellent, wash it off and call a doctor.
So, if you shouldn’t get it on the baby’s skin, should immediately wash the clothes you sprayed it on, you should use sparingly, don’t put it on hands because everything makes its way to the baby’s mouth, don’t spray inside or around food, doesn’t that seem like precautions that relate to toxicity?
The most frequently reported symptoms of DEET toxicity in children are lethargy, headaches, tremors, involuntary movements, seizures, and convulsions (Braissoulis et al. 2001; Osimitz and Grothaus 1995; Osimitz and Murphy 1997; Pronczuk de Garbino et al. 1983). If I were a mother, I wouldn’t take that chance.
Another recommendation that we saw on these baby websites was almost humorous. Here is one example: “Dressing your baby in light-colored clothing that covers as much skin as possible will help protect him from insects. Avoid bright colors or flowery prints.” So, in the summer, dress your baby in dull, full length apparel? I think not. Instead, let your child be cool & comfy in the latest fashion and use non toxic, effective insect repellent. Keep the bugs and the chemicals away for good! 
Keep in mind that deet free insect repellent options are available and have become increasingly more effective. Some of them need to be reapplied every 20 minutes or so, while others last up to 12 hours. Always read the label, but for the most part, you can safely use on skin, clothes, furniture, etc. to repel insects. Some are even so effective they kill insects on contact.
Wondercide Biter Fighter is a natural insect repellent that is as safe as it is effective. Try a sample bottle today and experience the difference!
Watch the video to learn more: Deet Free Insect Repellent By Wondercide
Posted in Anonymous Rants & Truths, Natural Insect Repellents | No Comments »
June 30th, 2010
The presence of strawberries usually represents sweetness and the start of summer. However, strawberries in California may soon be causing cancer, birth defects and miscarriages. California is thinking about allowing the use of a highly toxic chemical on their strawberry fields. This affects all of us, since 90% of strawberries in the US are grown in California. Do you want to take action to stop the use of the harmful methyl iodide for strawberries? Would you like them to consider a natural pest control alternative like Wondercide™ EcoTreat™ PRO?
Nobel laureates and scientists say that methyl iodide is one of the most toxic chemicals used in food manufacturing. But, California is still planning to allow its use for spraying and injecting into the soil. California even released reports saying that if methyl iodide is used, its control on human exposure would be very difficult and probably next to impossible. The report also says that its use would have very unpleasant effects on public health, and this includes the spread of cancer, the increase in miscarriages and brain damage to fetuses and children.
It is very important that we take action to stop the approval of this dangerous chemical. The effect of California’s choice may start a national review of methyl iodide by the Environmental Protection Agency.
It is about time that we prioritize our health and our children’s health first before anything else. Safer and healthier ways must be used in producing strawberries. We should not allow the access of more toxins into our bodies and our environment. Green pest control initiatives must speak up!
Let us sign the petition against the use of methyl iodide on our strawberries:
http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=4165
Posted in Anonymous Rants & Truths, green pest control, pesticides | 3 Comments »
June 29th, 2010
A pet adoption center inside a PetSmart in southwest Fort Worth is saving the city money, increasing business and most importantly, bringing hundreds of homeless dogs and cats to new loving families. The Fort Worth Adoption center, believed to be the first of its kind in the country, opened last April 25 along South Hulen Street. Since then, not one rejected pet has been put down in the city, according to Brandon Bennett, director of the Code Compliance Department. About 4,500 homeless pets end up in the city pound every year. 2,500 pets were put down in the local animal shelter when their time ran out, until now. 300 pets have been adopted since the center opened, a 100 percent increase from a year ago, says Bennett. In fact, he added, demand has been so high that pets from other cities’ shelters have been brought in.
What spelled success for this adoption center was definitely its location and setting, not to mention its being open 24/7. The city shelter is in an isolated area, and its atmosphere is not even inviting. Hence, pet lovers are usually found at the pet store, says Bennett. In contrast, the pet adoption center has clean open areas where people can easily interact with the animals. A similar facility in an attractive location would cost around $2 to $4 million and probably wouldn’t attract as many people compared to an adjacent pet store, added Bennett. The facility has been such a success, he said, that there have been talks about opening another center in north Fort Worth. They have been getting so many calls about this from all over the country. And the great thing about it is that everybody wins, not one government dollar has been spent, Bennett said. The groups supporting this cause, PetSmart and PetSmart Charities are similarly happy with the partnership.
The store is housed in a 1,800 square foot space and the nonprofit group donated $150,000 for the whole building. The structure has in-house kennels with “visiting rooms” – grooming areas for about 10 dogs and 10 cats. The center is a successful model for PetSmart Charities and for other communities as well, says Kim Noetzel, communications manager for the nonprofit group. People who want to rescue an animal in a pet shelter are usually intimidated because of the setting, which can be emotionally overwhelming, she added. Because of this, it has proved to be a very effective way to increase people’s interest in adopting a homeless pet. Noetzel said that even if the venture has become a great advertisement to both the business and the partnership, they did it purely for the love of the animals. The unsung heroes for this project are Bill Boecker and his wife Toni, who worked for months to make everything happen, Bennett said. Boecker co-founded the Fort Worth Pet Adoption Partners which funds the center.
 According to Boecker, the charity needs $200,000 a year to pay for supplies, a vehicle, advertising and the employees who work in the center. The group had raised $215,000 including $31,000 from 900 people who responded to an advertisement enclosed in their water bills. Boecker said that the wealthier people in the community helped out immediately but it was even more inspiring to note that 900 people answered their mailer.
The strong support from the community is necessary to the center’s survival, said Bennett. The city has made a 2 year commitment to the in-store center, after which, it will depend mostly on the level of donations. The center started out great, and the real challenge is on how to sustain it, Boecker said. All the pets in the center are checked for their temperament, spayed or neutered, examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated and licensed, and they even have microchip implants for identification, Bennett said.
 The increase in the number of adoptions has even lowered the total cost of adopting a pet from $80 to $39.Along with this, new owners get a pet toy and food and a free obedience class lesson. Blake Ovard, a technician in the animal center, said that the animals seem to know that they are being auditioned for a new home. The pets tend to quiet down when people get there and understand when someone is considering them, said Ovard, a dog trainer. Volunteers often come in to interact and even read to the animals. Noetzel said that it is not easy to pull off this partnership and is not realistic for every community. Aside from an agency dedicated to saving the lives of animals in their care, a great partner agency is also needed. Along with this, there must also be a store with some available space. The most important ingredient though is the support of the community. Noetzel said that Fort Worth was an ideal place to start off since it has all the necessary elements for a successful pet center. The implementation of the idea was complicated, said Boecker, but the objective was very simple, a shelter where no animal will be put down.
Wondercide Organics and natural pest control is a strong advocate for these causes. It just goes to show that small deeds can still make a big difference.
Don’t forget to click here and sign the petition. http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/06/21/2281818/new-pet-adoption-center-is-succeeding.html#article_photos
Posted in Dogs & Cats, Pet Health, pets | 1 Comment »
June 28th, 2010
Bites and Concerns
Bed bugs usually bite people at night while they are sleeping. They do this by piercing the skin with an extended beak which draws the blood. It takes about 3 to 10 minutes to eat but the person seldom knows that they’re being bitten. Symptoms vary after being bitten. Some get an itchy red mark or swelling. Others have little or no reaction while some have a severe, but delayed reaction.
A common concern with bed bugs is whether or not they transmit diseases. Even if bedbugs could carry bacteria in their bodies, it is very unlikely that they could spread them to humans. Even though they don’t carry diseases, bed bugs greatly reduce your quality of life because of the discomfort, sleeplessness, anxiety, and embarrassment that they cause. Traditional repellants used for ticks and mosquitoes are not effective against bedbugs. DDT has been banned for years. Wondercide has developed a non toxic, organic pesticide product to kill bed bugs and their life cycle. Wondercide BioDefense can be applied with a typical pump up sprayer or with a ULV non thermal fogging machine. Results are almost immediate, completely safe, and remarkably effective.
How Infestations Originate
Even if it seems that bed bugs come from nowhere, these bugs are actually efficient hitchhikers and are usually transported through luggage, clothing, beds, furniture, and other items. Once introduced, they often spread throughout the area.
Where They Hide
The most common place to find bed bugs is the bed, especially in the early stages of the problem. As the infestations grow larger, these bugs tend to move from the beds into other locations making pest control more difficult. A careful inspection and treatment could take several hours. Some companies are actually now using dogs to detect hard-to-find infestations.
Treatment Procedures
Infested beds and clothes have to be washed and cleansed in a temperature of at least 120°F. You could also place the infested stuff in a clothes dryer set at medium to high heat for 20 minutes. Items which cannot be put in a washer or dryer can be de-infested by wrapping them in plastic and placed in a hot, sunny place. Bed bugs also die at temperatures below 32°F if kept in that temperature for several days. Traditionally, it was necessary to throw out infested items like beds or upholstered furniture. Now, there is no need. You can safely use Wondercide BioDefense on all furniture, fabric, and upholstery.
Do I have to Throw Out the Bed?
Eliminating bed bugs can be difficult. If there are holes or tears in the bed’s fabric, the bugs and eggs could be inside or outside. Wondercide BioDefense can be used to soak or fog the mattress. There are actually restrictions on how beds can be treated with chemical pesticides. Professionals who aren’t using Wondercide recommend that beds be discarded.
Preventing Infestations
Since it is hard to remove bed bugs, it makes sense to take precautions to avoid them. Folks must be wary when buying used furnishings, especially beds and couches. Curbside items should be avoided. Secondhand articles must be examined closely before being bought. The incidence of bed bugs in the United States is increasing drastically. Being knowledgeable can really help prevent their further infestation.
Posted in Bed Bugs, pesticides | 5 Comments »
June 24th, 2010
People nowadays only hear about bed bugs but rarely do they get to see these creepy crawlers. Bed bug infestations were common in the United States before the World War II when there was still a lack of outdoor pest control remedies. But with the great improvements in people’s overall hygiene and the use of numerous chemical insecticides like DDT in the 1940’s and the 1950’s, the population of the bugs in the United States almost vanished. However these insects were still a common sight in Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe.
Bed bugs are making a big comeback in the United States during the recent years. They are making their way not only through homes but also in other public facilities like hotels, schools, even in cars and other modes of transportation! Immigration, international travel, the various changes in modern organic pest control practices are seen to be the major causes of the reappearance of these pests.
Description and Habits
Bed bugs are small, brown, flat insects which feed mainly on the blood of mammals. The common bed bug, Cimex lectularis, is the species most often plaguing humans. They are so comfortable in human dwellings, that they have been living with humans since ancient times. Evidences of their co-existence with humans are discussed in medieval European texts and classical Greek writings dating back to the time of Aristotle.
Adult bed bugs usually measure about 3/16 inches long and are reddish brown in color. They are typically mistaken for ticks and cockroaches. Young bed bugs are quite similar to adults but are smaller and lighter in color. These bugs do not fly but they move fast over floors, walls, and other surfaces. Female bed bugs like to lay their eggs in isolated areas. They usually lay 1 to 2 eggs per day which add up to hundreds during their lifetime. The eggs are just about as small as a dust speck which makes it difficult to see them without magnification. They are quite sticky when first laid, which is why the eggs stick to most surfaces. Newly hatched bugs are straw-colored and shed their skin five times before reaching maturity. With favorable conditions, bed bugs can develop in a month’s time producing three or more generations per year. Cooler temperatures or limited supply of blood could extend their development time. Bed bugs are tough and could actually survive months without feeding as nymphs and years as adults. Infestations are therefore unlikely to end even if you leave a premise for a long time.
Bed bugs are active during the night and gather together in routine hiding places. Their flattened bodies enable them to fit in tiny gaps in mattresses, box springs, bed frames and headboards. These areas are marked by dark stains, which are from the dried excrement of the bugs. Bed bugs prefer to hide close to where they feed but will crawl several feet to obtain a meal, if necessary.
Posted in Bed Bugs, green pest control, pesticides | No Comments »
June 23rd, 2010
Did you know that one of the most destructive pests found in the east ern US is the Japanese beetle? This type of beetle actually damages the urban landscape plants more than any other pest found in the area. The beetles were originally discovered in the year 1916 after being introduced to New Jersey by accident. Before that, this insect was seen only in Japan where it was not considered to be a major pest.
The eastern US provided a perfect home for the Japanese beetles. The insects thrived in the area’s favorable climate, the large areas of turf and pasture grass, the hundreds of species of plants they could feed on, and their lack of natural enemies. The beetles rapidly increased their numbers and extended their population to the north in Ontario and Minnesota, west to Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas and south to Georgia and Alabama.
The first Japanese beetles found in Kentucky were discovered on the southern boundaries of Louisville in 1937. Insecticides were initially used to delay the spreading of the pests but this did not stop their increase. The beetle population in Kentucky continued to soar during the 1950s and 1960s and went on to reach the surrounding states. Today, Japanese beetles infest almost every state in the US.
Control
It is important to note that both the adults and the larvae can cause considerable damage. Also, since these beetles are capable of flying to other areas, it may be difficult to control one particular life stage unless you use a product like Wondercide EcoTreat, which treats both soil and foliage. Here are some options for managing the infestation of Japanese beetles:
- Plant Selection – The key to avoiding battles with these beetles is the careful selection of plants to add to your garden. Some plants are particularly prone to attacks from these insects. These include roses, grapes, lindens, sassafras, and others.
- Physical Removal – The presence of beetles on a plant attracts more beetles. Thus, removing beetles by hand may discourage these insects to accumulate further. One effective way to remove Japanese beetles from small plants is to shake them off early in the morning when they are still sluggish. The beetles may then be killed by spraying the leaves and soil with EcoTreat on a 3 day, then once a month cycle.
- Chemical Control – Several insecticides in the market are made for use against adult Japanese beetles, though few are effective and safe to use around children and pets. It is important to read and follow the label directions and to avoid spraying under windy conditions if you chose a synthetic chemical pesticide over an organic pesticide.
- Japanese Beetle Traps – Japanese beetle traps are available in many garden centers. These traps use two types of bait. One mimics the scent of virgin female beetles which is highly attractive to males. The other bait imitates the aroma of sweet smelling food which attracts both sexes. However, research conducted at the University of Kentucky showed that the use of these traps do more harm than good since the beetles tend to damage the plants along the vicinity of the traps. It is best therefore to place these traps away from gardens and landscape plants to avoid further destruction and treat the entire property on a routine basis with natural pest control like Wondercide EcoTreat to maintain control.
Posted in green pest control, pesticides | 1 Comment »
June 22nd, 2010
A U.S. study on health facts found a link between children’s Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and common inorganic bug sprays used on vegetables and fruits.
The report does not reveal the extent on how these inorganic bug sprays play a role in children’s study habits; although specialists claim that the study was very hopeful.
“I would take it quite seriously,” says Virginia Rauh of Columbia University. Rauh has already done a study on prenatal contact with pesticides but she is not associated with this new analysis.
“More study will have to be done to confirm the link between the two”, she said.
Children are more at risk to the health conditions associated with these commercial pesticides since they’ve got smaller bodies and may consume a lot more pesticide residue as compared to grownups that have a bigger body mass.
When ingested, these pesticides break down into smaller compounds that could be easily detected in urine. A urine test on kids showed an alarming result. 94% of the children tested positive for these compounds.
The kids with higher quantities of the pesticide compounds had a higher probability of having ADHD. ADHD is a usual issue that leads to students having problems in school. These findings were released last Monday in Pediatrics.
The kids probably ate food that was treated with these commercial pesticides. It is also possible that they could have gotten it from the air or through their drinking water. The research did not clarify how these children were exposed to the pesticides. The experts believe that children who don’t live near farms are contaminated through the food they eat.
“Exposure is everywhere. All of us are exposed,” says head author Maryse Bouchard of the University of Montreal.
Bouchard says that people today can limit the dangers of exposure by eating organic produce. A recent government study found out that frozen fruits, frozen veggies, strawberries and celery actually have more pesticide residue compared to other food items.
A 2008 Emory University study found that children who switched to organically grown fruit and veggies had a drop in their levels of urine pesticide compounds.
Now that we know of the dangers of inorganic pesticides, the United States Environmental Protection Agency should agree on just how much residue could safely remain on our food. Unfortunately, latest studies show that it is possible that even tiny quantities of inorganic pesticide may affect one’s brain chemistry.
However, the actual reasons linked to children’s ADHD are still in question. Any specific quantity of the compounds may have prompted the symptoms. The relationship of ADHD with pesticide sprays could be nothing but chance.
The new information is dependent upon the one-time urine samples taken from 1,139 kids and interviews with their parents to find out which of the children had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. These children, ages 8 to 15, took part in a federal health market research from 2000-2004.
As claimed by their parents, about 150 children in the research program had the typical characteristics of those with ADHD. These symptoms include the shortness of attention span, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Some children were even taking medicines to heal it.
The study worked with one kind of pesticide named organophosphates. The study showed that 20% of the children with high levels of the pesticide compound had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In children with no detected quantities in their urine, only 10% had ADHD.
“This is a very well executed study,” said Dr. Lynn Goldman of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a former EPA administrator.
One urine sample for every child, instead of multiple samples over time, was not needed, Goldman said.
“The study provides more evidence that the government should really encourage farmers to switch to organic pesticides and natural pest control products”, said Margaret Reeves, the senior scientist with the Pesticide Action Network. The group has been advocating to stop the use of several pesticides for years.
“We should not let this kind of exposure go on,” Reeves concluded.
Posted in green pest control, pesticides | No Comments »
May 25th, 2010
Top 10 Reasons NOT to use pesticides. Part 2 of 2 
6. Pesticides are hazardous to pets. Pet poisonings occur frequently, and exposure to lawncare pesticides is associated with a higher risk of cancer in dogs. Read more by award winning author Jan Rasmusen because she says it best , ” We purposefully apply insecticides to kill fleas and ticks. Surely, none of us would rub poison between our children’s shoulder blades, or bathe them in poisons, but when it comes to pets, we trustingly accept the “wisdom” of advertisers and flea-and-tick product vendors. “ She’s right too. The best flea control for dogs is treating them with a natural flea treatment.
7. Pesticides contaminate water and air. Monitoring studies find pesticides in almost every sample that is tested. 50 river basins around the country found that “pesticides” were detected in every water sample from every stream sampled“, says a recent study. the U.S. Geological Survey found the common insecticide malathion contaminated over 80 percent of the air samples analyzed. Over 60 percent of the samples were contaminated with the common herbicide 2,4-D.
 8. Pesticides are hazardous to fish and birds. Enormous quantities of pesticides determined by the EPA to cause problems for fish and birds are used in the U.S. Of course, with the oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico at this moment, you may ponder why it matters. That’s why it matters. Humans have caused serious environmental issues that are out of control. Of the most common pesticides known to effect birds and fish, a modest calculation of over 490 million pounds are applied in the USA per year.
9. Pesticides are immensely profitable for the corporations who manufacture them, yet these corporations perform or sponsor the tests used to determine their safety. This potential for immense profits creates a conflict of interest because our regulatory system requires pesticide manufacturers themselves to provide the data showing that their product does not have “unreasonable adverse effects on the environment.” By the way, Global Pesticide sales are anticipated to exceed $73 billion by 2013. To learn more about the toxic pesticides used everyday around you, your children and pets, visit our Pesticides Facts page.
10. Pesticides have too many secrets. Where are pesticides used in our communities? When? How much? What’s in them? We almost never have good answers to these questions. If you’ve ever tried to get information about the pesticides being used in your community, you know that this kind of information is almost impossible to obtain. EPA calls its own estimates of pesticide use “approximate” at best.
Journal of Pesticide Reform explains some Pesticides Basics. A profound article by Caroline Cox covers the Top 10 Reasons Not to use Pesticides. Part 2 of 2.
To learn more about effective, alternative pest control, visit our Organic Pest Control page.
Posted in epa, pesticides | No Comments »
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