Pesticides used around the home to control unwanted insects and weeds often find their way into the local creeks and the Bay through over-applications, spills and run-off. They can also enter the sewer system through improper disposal. Studies suggest that some of the most popular home use pesticides are linked to toxicity in creeks around the Bay Area. Residents, home use and pest control companies use over half of the pesticides which currently cause water problems. The good news is that you can reduce your use of pesticides and still control your pests!
Why less-toxic pest control is better and safer for your family and the environment:
Human health: the long-term effects of exposure to a certain pesticide are rarely known when a product is marketed. For example, two of the most common household pesticides, diazinon* and chlorpyrifos (Dursban), were recently removed from sale nationwide due to new information about their potential long-term harm to the nervous systems of children and wildlife. Minimizing pesticide use reduces chances of pesticide related health risks.
Home use of pesticides accounts for the most pesticide runoff in local creeks and the Bay. Currently, all creeks in Santa Clara County are considered "impaired" due, in part, to pesticide concentrations in storm water run-off.
Less-toxic pest control alternatives are usually more effective because they focus on solving pest problems at the source.
* Retail sales will end in December, 2002.
For more information on Pest Control please ckick on the link below.
