In the landscape industry, pesticides are a vital force in the upkeep of plant material. One of the misconceptions of pesticides is that they are only for killing or preventing insects, but they actually perform a wide variety of purposes, such as weed control, mice or other animal deterrents and the killing and preventing of harmful bacteria and fungi. Also, pesticides are not just exclusive to the landscape industry; odds are that you have some sort of a pesticide in your home right now.

The application of a pesticide by a landscape company is not a task to be taken lightly. There are many precautions that a landscaper must go through to ensure the safety of the homeowners and pets in the area being sprayed. Before any landscaper is allowed to use a pesticide, they must first be evaluated and registered by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). Once the EPA registers a company, it is closely monitored to ensure that all safety procedures are being followed according to the label of the product they are using.

If you are planning to spray a pesticide in your garden, you should be aware of the possible risks involved in spraying. Pesticides are meant to kill, so harm to humans or animals is possible. However, there are a couple of variables that a landscaper or homeowner should be aware of before they spray. First and probably the most important is whether it is windy outside. If it is too windy, spraying cannot take place because of the risk of the chemical floating through the air. Pesticides are meant to be applied directly on the plant and only the plant. Secondly is rain: If there is even a slight drizzle, there can be no spraying. Water runs out of the planter bed, down the gutter and into the sewer, and we all know where it goes from there.

Putting the risks aside, there are benefits to pesticides that should be recognized; otherwise, why would anyone use them? Pesticides help to ensure the health of plant material by eliminating the pests that eat and destroy them. They also help to ensure the safety of you and your family by killing harmful bacteria that could be in your home. It is becoming increasingly common for produce companies to use organic pesticides. And while it may be organic and less harmful than other pesticides, it is always best to wash whatever produce you buy as soon as you get home.

So the next time you spray for ants, or are trying to get those nasty aphids off your roses, remember that pesticides are all around us, and you should use them properly. You can find all you need to know about the pesticide you are using by reading the label on the can or bag. However, if you desire more information, you can always contact the NPIC (National Pesticides Information Center) at npic@ace.orst.edu, or call 1-800-858-7378.

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Author Name: Trevor Martin

Trevor Martin is with Steven Smith Landscape Inc.

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