IPM Tactic: Chemical Control
Chemical tactics to manage pests can include many types of compounds. Some merely repel or confuse pests. Some interfere with weed photosynthesis, insect molting processes or development in some way. Others, including some botanical and most conventional insecticides, are broadly toxic to living systems. The term pesticide literally means "pest killer". The specific type of organism killed is revealed in the name; i.e. insecticides kill insects, herbicides kill plants, fungicides kill fungi, rodenticides kill rodents and so on.
Various characteristics of pesticides
Generally speaking, when using pesticides, we are trying to garner the advantages of using pesticides while minimizing the risk to humans and other non-target organisms. Risk to humans of pesticide use is often described as:
RISK = TOXICITY X EXPOSURE
The simplest way to safely use pesticides is read the label, be sure you understand the label and follow ALL instructions. Exposure can be minimized by simply following the directions about precautions. Both toxicity and exposure are eliminated if you choose not to use a pesticide as one of your IPM tactics.
A number of characteristics of pesticides should be understood in order to consider whether or not to use a pesticide, which one to use and how it might be safely used. You and your students might investigate the following questions when considering a pest management scenario involving the need for a pesticide.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Pesticide Use
As we saw with biological controls, there are distinct advantages and disadvantages to pesticide use as well. Some of these are listed below.
Advantages of Chemical Pesticides
1. Quick-acting
2. Easy to use
3. Cheap (relatively)
4. Readily available
5. Can save lives (vector-borne diseases) 6. Others?
Pesticides Disadvantages
1. Potentially toxic to humans
2. Impact on non-targets
3. Potential negative environmental effects
4. Unknown cumulative effects
5. Pest resistance
For general information about pesticides and pesticide safety, go to http://www.pested.psu.edu/.
http://terra-xpestservices.com/
Experience Counts! Terra-X Pest Services
Owner Joe Terra, the Principal Pest Policeman with Terra-X, has over 20 years experience in pest control. Joe's experience encompasses all modes of pest control from fumigation to agricultural pest control. Joe believes in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices.
IPM programs use current, comprehensive information about the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, used in combination with available pest control methods, results in pest management by the most economical means, with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. When trapping an animal becomes necessary, Joe employs safe and humane methods. Joe believes in his work and enjoys his interactions with clients.
Licensed & Bonded License No. OPR 11268 TERRA-X PEST SERVICES
Phone: 800-505-3124
Cell: 831-234-1549
E-mails:
