Myths About Pesticides
Pesticides are chemicals or biological agents used to kill, repel or control pests, such as weeds, insects, fungi or rodents. Pesticides are indiscriminate and include insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and rodenticides.
Seventy-eight million households use pesticides, with herbicides being the largest category. Over 90 million pounds of weed killer are applied to lawns and gardens each year to ‘protect’ or ‘manage’ problems that may arise in our gardens and/or yards.
Don’t Assume that if a pesticide is on the market it must be safe.
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Pesticides are tested primarily by the manufacturers.
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Tests are done on the active ingredient only, not on the complete formulation.
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Tests are done for a limited population which does not include children or people with existing health issues.
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There is no testing to determine effects of combinations of pesticides- multiple chemicals used in one yard or different chemicals used on neighboring properties that combine through drift or stormwater runoff.
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Many other countries have banned pesticides which are still available in the U.S.
Organic Pesticides are safe.
Organic Pesticides are not necessarily safe for pollinators. Some can be relatively safe assuming proper usage and timing. However, many are not safe, and most have not been tested yet for caterpillars, bees, and other pollinators. Instead of broad spraying an area, identify the pest and use a targeted approach. Not all pests are bad. In fact, many are very beneficial!
Useful information written by Xerces states common myths that most gardeners might have encountered before:
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“Pesticides only kill pests; they don't kill beneficial insects.”
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“Something is eating my plants. They’re going to die! I need to do something.”
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“I sprayed pesticides a while ago, but it shouldn’t be a problem for pollinators anymore.”
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“If I can buy it, it must be safe.”
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“Natural or organic pesticides are always safe. Just spray neem oil!”
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“My mosquito spray is derived from chrysanthemum flowers.”
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“Only insecticides harm pollinators; herbicides and fungicides are safe.”
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“Pesticides solve pest problems. They’re the cheapest and easiest way to get rid of pests.”
Read more about the 8 myths here at Xerces.org.