Most lawn care products contain substances that are poisonous, otherwise they would not do the job they are made for – killing pests and diseases. Lawn care products should always be used with the same care and respect that all poisonous chemicals must be treated with.
While most lawn care pesticides are EPA approved, these are mixed chemically so that they come in different brands, strengths and varieties. They are still poisonous to both animals and humans. Many of these pesticides have been associated with negative diseases in humans that include birth defects and cancer.
The trouble lies not just in the chemical that is on the lawn, but the fact that it is then washed into waterways and hence ground water that we drink from. This should be kept in mind before reaching for that packet of poison that will attack the pests in the lawn. Is it truly necessary to spray poison over the lawn, or is there a more environmentally friendly way to control those pests?
Lawn care pesticides – while containing harmful substances – are still considered safe to use so long as the instructions are followed carefully. But to keep those in the household safe and be environmentally responsible, find out exactly what the pest is before spraying.
It may be that a better pest control plan can be found. Many gardeners use lawn care pesticides when it is not strictly necessary. Some lawn care pesticides are organic, or based on natural plant ingredients that are safer than chemicals. These should be tried before anything of a more toxic nature.
Reading the label carefully before using the product will ensure that proper safety measures can be taken. Never mix lawn care pesticides more strongly than is recommended, even if they are organic.
Be careful with the choice of lawn care pesticides. Some lawn care pesticides are manufactured for commercial use only. Never use these in a residential area as they are much too strong. Choose those with the lowest level of toxicity that you can find.
Make sure a mask and rubber gloves are worn for protection. Long sleeves will protect you from spray drift. Pesticides are not only harmful when ingested, but also when inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Never spray pesticides on a windy day. Even a tiny breeze can carry that fine spray across the street or over the fence.
Contain pets and keep children away from the area, making sure the spray is dry before allowing anyone onto the lawn. Before spraying, remove children’s toys, pet toys, feeding bowls and bedding and cover the bird bath and feeder if you have one. Even though they are up high, remember that spray drift. If there is a fish pond cover it with lengths of timber covered with plastic sheeting, anchored down by rocks. The lawn should be thoroughly dry before anyone is allowed to access it.
Never spray a lawn if there is rain forecast. For a start it will dilute the spray and make it ineffective for that lawn pest, but it will also wash the pesticide into the ground water. Always make sure empty pesticide bottles are disposed of correctly and those containing poison stored out of reach of children.
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