Due to the adverse effects of pests like mosquitoes, roaches, rats, mice, bed bugs, and poisonous spiders, people resort to using chemical pesticides that are easily available at the grocery stores. While there is nary a doubt that these pesticides are helpful in killing the said pests and protecting your property from them, these chemicals can also prove harmful to you, your family, and your pets.
To give you an overview, pesticides are chemical compounds that are used to kill pests like insects, rodents, fungi, and unwanted plants. For public health measures, pesticides are used to kill disease vectors like mosquitoes, cockroaches, and flies. In agriculture, it is used to kill insects that destroy crops. Due to its nature of being toxic, much care in using it is needed, and reading labels is required.
Residents of Hickory, on the other hand, are lucky to have a pest control company that's local and well-reviewed and is just a phone call away. We are talking about the head of the pack, Go-Forth Home Services, the best pest control company in Hickory.
But what about those who are not blessed enough to enjoy the services of Go-Forth Home Services? What are their options? A lot of homeowners rely heavily on chemical pesticides. In this article, we will talk about pesticides, its health effects, and when best to use it.
About Pesticide Residue
Do you know that there are more than a thousand pesticides all in all that are being used around the world to make sure that food is not destroyed by pests? Apparently, there are that many, and each one has different properties and toxicological effects.
The older pesticides like dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and lindane, can remain in soil and water for two years. These chemicals are no longer allowed for use since they were banned by countries that signed the 2001 Stockholm Convention, which is an international treaty that aims to get rid of or restrict the production and use of these organic pollutants.
Toxicity Levels
The toxicity levels of these pesticides differ from each other, and they depend on the pesticide’s functions and other factors. One example is that pesticides are more toxic to humans than herbicides. Another factor is the route by which the exposure occurs, like swallowing, inhaling, or direct contact with the skin.
When humans come into direct contact with pesticides in large quantities, it may cause acute poisoning or long-term health effects. All of the pesticides that are in use these days are not genotoxic, meaning they do not damage DNA, which can cause cancer or mutations. The negative effects of these pesticides occur only when the exposure is above a certain safe level.
The World Health Organization, or WHO, says that the leading cause of death by self-poisoning is a pesticide, and this occurs in low income and middle-income countries. This tells us that pesticides, despite being highly toxic, are very affordable and easy to reach.
Pesticides are deliberately spread in the environment, so the production, distribution, and use must be regulated. So there should always be regular monitoring of residues in the environment.
Who Is At Risk?
For pesticides that are for use at home, all occupants are at risk, but none more so than children and pets. Pesticides, especially those used in foggers and fumigants, are highly toxic. When you fumigate or use foggers, the pesticides are spread in the air and then settle down on all surfaces of your house. The chemicals may land on floors, countertops, sinks, and food preparation areas. Since children are always playing on the floor and can be found putting things in their mouths, the possibility of getting poisoned is very high. This goes for pets too.
In agriculture, those who are at risk are people who are directly exposed to it like agricultural workers who apply pesticides, and other people who are near the area where the pesticides were applied.
How To Keep Your Family Safe From Pesticides
Perhaps many of you are worried sick about the effects of pesticides after its use. Many are asking if pesticides are safe after they dry. The answer to this is that most pesticides are safe after drying. However, keep in mind that we said “most”, so that means not all pesticides are safe even after drying. Also, there really is no such thing as completely “safe”, since pesticides are meant to kill. It is just that there are some that are “safer."
Pesticides used for lawn care are indeed safe after they dry. They do stay in the grass for about two days after treatment. If you have pets, make sure to wipe their paws each time they go out on the lawn for the next few days after treatment. Also, wipe their coat before you allow them to enter your house. Please make sure that your pets do not eat the grass after a treatment.
Some pesticides need more precautionary measures, like removing sensitive items within your property, avoiding areas near the ignition, applying in areas that are well-ventilated, and ensuring that you do not saturate the area with the pesticide.
Before Treatment
Before treatment, cover furniture, food preparation areas, dishes, clothes, and then put away food.
Do not allow pesticides to enter your body whether through the mouth, skin, eyes, and nose. Of all these, skin exposure is the most common, so cover your skin when it is you who is using the pesticide. Wear long sleeves and long pants, plus shoes and socks. Also, use chemical resistant gloves.
Please read and follow the directions. When the label says “Caution," it means it is the mildest form. If you see “Warning”, it is more hazardous. But “Danger” has the most harmful effects.
Make sure that everyone leaves the house prior to treatment, and that includes your pets. No one should be left behind. Assess the area.
If you are concerned about the toxicity of indoor pesticides, avoid products that contain the following: phosmet, tetrachlorvinphos, dichlorvos, malathion, naled, diazinon, and chlorpyrifos.
Aren’t Pesticides Supposed To Be Safe?
For now, there are no laws that say pesticides should be safe for humans. The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, only makes sure that manufacturers do not make claims that their products are safe. They also study the labels used. This is why reading the label is important to know what the contents are and what it is used for. The level of toxicity also depends on the dosage.
Health Effects of Pesticides on Humans
The health effects would depend on what kind of pesticides are being used.It could be a minor irritation to the skin, eyes, and throat. There are pesticides with more severe effects. These effects could be damage to the central nervous system, the kidneys, and increased risks of cancer.
The person may exhibit symptoms like headaches, muscular pains, nausea, and dizziness. Exposure to some chemicals can damage the liver, kidneys, endocrine glands, and the nervous system.
Measurable levels of some pesticides are found in the air inside homes, but some also come from contaminated soil or dust that floats or is tracked in from the outside. It can also come from the stored pesticide containers and household surfaces that collect and then release the pesticides.
Other Tips To Reduce The Exposure To Pesticides
- Before trying chemicals, you may want to try non-chemicals first.
- Make sure the area is well-ventilated during and after pesticide use.
- Keep pesticides out of the reach of children and pests. Leep pesticides locked in cabinets if possible.
- Before buying the pesticide, check the label to see what the pesticide is for. If your pest problem is about roach infestation, then make sure that roaches are listed on the label.
- Dispose of unused pesticides safely.
With all the dangers of using pesticides, you may want to consider calling for professional help. There are still many things to consider when going this route. Checking for the company’s licenses, track record, insurance coverage, affiliation, and proposed treatments must be considered. Ask them about the types of chemicals used. Do not be afraid to ask for this information because it is all about your safety.
If you already have pests in your house and are overwhelmed by your pest infestation problems, you may want to ask for help from the best pest control company in the Hickory, HC area. This is none other than Go-Forth Home Services.
The Best & The Safest
You want to kill pests, albeit in a safe way. You do not want to do things yourself using deadly pesticides because you naturally would want to be on the safe side. Yet, the pest problems cannot wait, you need to have it resolved.
This is where Go-Forth Home Services steps in.
You do not have to worry about effectively killing pests but sacrificing the safety of your family because, at Go-Forth Home Services, we only use family-friendly and pet-friendly methods of extermination. Our professional technicians are licensed by the National Pest Management Association.