Organic Pesticides

When you create the beautiful landscape of your dreams, or grow a garden full of nature's bountiful food, nobody is going to love and enjoy it more than you and your family. Nobody, that is, with the possible exception of the creepy crawlies that call your lawn and garden home. Insects and other animals of all shapes and sizes are going to take one look at the results of all your hard work and think one thing: It's an all-you-can-eat buffet, just for me!!

Controlling insects (and larger critters) in your outdoor spaces is one of the most challenging aspects of landscaping and gardening, and it can also be one of the most frustrating. Companies have created an arsenal of readily available, highly effective pesticides that can wipe out insects instantly. Unfortunately, chemical pesticides do their work at a cost to the environment, and possibly your family's health.

Organic Pesticides - What is a Pesticide?

Any substance that kills or disrupts anything we consider to be a pest, such as insects or microbes, is a pesticide. When we think of the word pesticide, we usually think of man-made, chemical pesticides. These chemicals do their jobs very well, but can be harmful. As more people become concerned about the health of the planet, and their families, natural pesticides have become a more popular alternative to their chemical brethren.

A natural, or organic, pesticide is a substance made from a plant for its own defense against pests, or sourced directly from nature, such as a mineral.

Why Organic Pesticides are Safer

Many consider organic pesticides to be safer and more environmentally-friendly than chemicals, and for the most part this is true. Chemical pesticides can be harmful, even fatal, to humans and pets; their overuse can result in the pollution of waterways. Long-term exposure to some chemical pesticides can result in health problems such as cancers and birth defects.

For these reasons, many are switching to organic pesticides for pest control since they are typically much safer and more eco-friendly than conventional chemicals. Organic pesticides are often as effective at pest control as their chemical counterparts, and for the green homeowner they should always be your first choice.

Advantages of Organic Pesticides

As stated, natural or organic pesticides are more environmentally-friendly and safer for the user. Most organic pesticides break down naturally, reducing the chance of polluting or contaminating the soil or water. When applied correctly, they can be very effective at pest control.

Disadvantages of Organic Pesticides

While organic pesticides are for the most part safer and more ecologically sound, they are not perfect. They usually have a shorter residual activity (they don't last as long) than chemicals; they're often more expensive than conventional pesticides, and for serious problems, they may not be 100% effective.

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