How Safe are Pesticides?

For years, pest control has meant the use of chemicals. Used properly, pesticides can be a safe and effective means of pest control. Misuse of chemical pesticides, however, can harm wildlife, contaminate water and soil and harm people. Proper use of pesticides used in conjunction with other methods of pest control can minimize these risks.

Integrated Pest Management—The Common Sense Approach

To help prevent over population of lawn and garden pests, consider using Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is a common sense pest control plan that has been practiced for centuries.

The purpose of IPM is to get the best long-term results with the least disruption of the environment. IPM involves the carefully managed use of three different pest control tactics: biological, cultural, and chemical. Bio-logical control means using natural enemies of the pest to control their population, such as lady bugs to control aphids. Cultural or horticultural control involves methods of making conditions less favorable for pests, such as mowing your grass high to shade out weeds or using different turf seed mixes to resist a variety of lawn pests (See Fact Sheet WD-SP-2 for proper lawn care techniques).

IPM is regarded as a highly effective approach to pest control that minimizes the use of pesticides. The use IPM requires a sophisticated understanding of the ecosystem of turf and the available pest control tactics. Detailed information regarding IPM is available from University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Office, 59 College Road, Taylor Hall, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824 or (603) 862-1520.

Pesticides

Chemical pesticides can be used effectively and safely but their misuse can harm beneficial organisms as well as contaminating ground and surface waters. The New Hampshire Pesticide Control Board rules prohibits the use of pesticides within 25 feet of any surface water or in any manner the would result in the presence of pesticides within 25 feet of the reference line in protected shorelands (Pes 1001.02). Chemical pesticides should only be applied the minimum amount necessary and only according to the manufacturers guidelines.