Is there a mouse in your house? Has an army of ants taken over your kitchen? Do you have bees on your front porch? Problems like these cause Americans to use more than a billion pounds of pesticides each year.
If you're using pesticides, though, make sure you're using them correctly. Eliminating some hazards may mean introducing new ones.
What are the health risks?
Pesticides come in many forms, including sprays, powders, crystals, balls and foggers. They are used to control insects, termites, rodents, fungi and microbes. Some of these chemicals can cause irritation to your skin or eyes, though. Others can affect the endocrine, hormone or central nervous systems, or raise your risk for cancer. Some pesticides can cause headaches, dizziness, muscle twitching, weakness, tingling and nausea. They may also cause vision and memory problems.
Children's internal organs are still developing and their immune systems are not as mature as those of adults. This makes exposure to pesticides more harmful for them. Depending on the chemical, the effects can range from mild nausea or dizziness to permanent neurological, developmental or reproductive impairment.
Using pesticides responsibly
Before using a pesticide in your home, try a nonchemical treatment first to get rid of the pest. These can be effective and not pose any health or environmental hazard.
If you do use a pesticide, follow these steps to reduce your family's exposure:
- Buy only EPA-registered pesticides.
- Store the pesticide in its original container in a locked cabinet - far out of the reach of children.
- Follow the directions carefully. Reread the directions each time you use the product. Use only as directed.
- Use a pesticide specifically targeted for the pest you want to eliminate.
- Ventilate the area during and after pesticide use.
- Dispose of unused pesticides safely. Call your solid waste agency for disposal instructions. Never pour leftovers down your toilet, sink or sewer. Check with your state or local agencies about laws for disposing pesticide containers.
- Don't stockpile. Buy only the amount you need.
- Never transfer pesticides to soft drink bottles or any other packaging that might tempt children to taste it.
- Don't reuse empty pesticide containers. The residue inside a container is just as dangerous as a full container.
Finding a pest control company
If you decide to ask a professional to help with pest removal, you'll want to choose a company that is competent and concerned with your safety.
- Ask people you trust for recommendations.
- Check out any company you are considering with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure there are no unresolved complaints against the company.
- Make sure the person you choose is a certified, licensed pesticide applicator or a licensed technician.
- Ask if the company is affiliated with a professional pest control association.
- Get details about the type of treatment the company is proposing.
- Ask for a copy of the company's pest control license and copies of labels for all of the pesticides that will be used on your property.
