Most homeowners do not think about pest control until they find a hornet’s nest above the garage, carpenter ants under the front porch, or a termite infestation. In an age when natural and organic products are available in most aspects of our lives, homeowners are looking for natural alternatives to pesticides.
What are organic pest control products?
Pest control products are deemed organic if it uses a means of control that does not use man-made chemicals. Organic products utilize materials such as vinegar, salt, soap, and lime sulfur.
Is organic pest control safer?
When it comes to safety, it is understood that pesticide use has more to do with toxicity than organic composition. Numerous pest control chemicals are minimally toxic to humans and diffuse quickly, lessening exposure. The website pests.org shares a wealth of information on safety and organic products.
- Some organic pesticides carry risks. For instance, plant oils used in some organic pesticides irritate eyes and other mucus membranes. Some people may find that they are allergic to these ingredients.
- Organic pesticides sometimes contain metallic substances like sulfur and zinc. These can contaminate surface water and damage equipment when not used properly.
- In some cases, the question becomes, “safer for whom?” Pyrethrins are extracted from chrysanthemums, with only a small level of toxicity to humans. However, they kill both beneficial and harmful insects alike. Also toxic to fish and amphibians, pyrethrum-based pesticides should not be used in areas where they may wind up in waterways or storm drains.
- While harmless to most humans, vinegar can affect many different kinds of plants if used as an herbicide. While pre-emergent chemical herbicides affect only a blossoming plant and soon dissipate, substances like salt can stay in the soil for extended periods and inhibit the growth of desirable and undesirable plants.
- Many consumers look to organic pest control out of concern for the declining bee population. Just because a product is organic, however, doesn’t mean that it’s safe for bees. Some pest control agents are unsafe for bees; however, many organic pest control methods can be used without risking bee populations. A few have low toxicity or are non-toxic.
Is organic more expensive?
Organic pest control options are not more expensive upon initial application. For example, if a homeowner asks us to use an organic treatment for ticks, the application costs are the same as traditional applications. The reason people think it is more expensive because it may take multiple applications, each associated with an additional cost. Some organic applications work on contact, others, only when the application is still wet, depending on the pests.
Is there a difference in effectiveness when using organic pest control products?
There can be a difference in treatment effectiveness, depending on what is treated. Organic pest control treatments are composed of essential oils and ingredients. They are meant to repel, not kill. If the pests are not destroyed, they will return, and additional applications may be necessary.
Are there organic methods to treat and remove nuisance wildlife?
Our technicians and our office staff are Certified NYS Nuisance Wildlife Control Officers. We go to great lengths to protect rescued or injured wildlife working in conjunction with wildlife rehabilitation specialists for necessary and suitable care. Organic treatments can be used to repel nuisance wildlife. Our standard is to trap and release humanely.
Are you interested in learning more about organic pest control services?
We offer organic products, baits and traps, lures/lure traps, and liquid applications. All products used in a kitchen would be labeled for use in a kitchen and are safe for people and pets. Contact us for a free visit and inspection.
Servicing: Albany County, Columbia County, Fulton County, Green County, Montgomery County, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Warren County, Washington County.
resources: pests.org
