Get rid of garden pests safely

By Bob Leadford
Garvin County OSU Extension Specialist

May 26, 2006 10:16 am

— Garden season is here and among the blooming buds may lurk pesky problems such as insects, weeds and plant diseases. Often, some of these pests cannot be controlled without the use of pesticides.
Jim Criswell, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service pesticide coordinator said proper use of pesticides has proven to be beneficial to our society. Yet, one must recognize the dangers of pesticides to humans, pets and the environment.
“Pesticides are chemicals of plant, animal or artificial origin manufactured to kill or repel pests,” he said. “They are grouped into several groups based on the organisms they are designed to control.”
These chemical groups include:
Insecticides – Used to protect man, animals and plants from insect annoyances, damages and destruction.
Fungicides – Are used to protect man, animals and plants from fungal organisms that cause diseases.
Herbicides – Chemicals used to control unwanted vegetation.
Rodenticides – Are used to control rats, mice and other rodent pests.
Miticides or Acaracides – Chemicals used to control mites and ticks.
Criswell said all pesticides are poisons and are designed to kill or repel pests but may be harmful or fatal to other organisms, including humans.
“It is important to handle pesticides properly in the home or the garden,” Criswell said. “Most pesticide poisoning, whether in adults, children or pets, is caused by careless use, improper storage or ignorance by the user.”
Safe and proper use of pesticides go far to eliminate environmental problems, he said. When used in the proper manner, pesticides should give appropriate pest control in the home and garden without jeopardizing anyone or the environment.
Some people may be allergic or are sensitive to pesticides.
“If you find you are allergic to a specific pesticide or formulation, select another suitable product for the purpose,” Criswell said. “Pesticides should be used with extreme caution with individuals who have respiratory ailments or are pregnant.”
If a pesticide is accidentally swallowed call a physician or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Read the label and name the active ingredient. It may be necessary to go to the physician’s office and take the pesticide container.
Criswell said pesticides are tools, not play things. They can be used safely and it is your responsibility to see they are.
OSU Extension fact sheet F-7450, “Safe Use of Pesticides in the Home and Garden” can provide additional information on this topic.