What Is Pesticide?

Gardening, Home & Family
on January 17, 2014
Agricultural chemistry
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Chances are you’ve heard the term pesticides. You probably also know pesticides can be harmful to your health. But you might not realize some of the products included in this broad category.

The University of Minnesota entomology department Integrated Pest Management World Textbook defines pesticide as a chemical or biological substance that is used for controlling and destroying organisms like insects, rodents, other animals, weeds and fungus. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warns that pesticides can be harmful to humans, animals and plants and that education is the best defense against accidental exposure. Pesticides should be kept out of reach of children and animals.

Types of pesticides

  • Antimicrobial forms of pesticides kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi and other protozoans.
  • Attractant pesticides entice the pest to a certain area to be eliminated.
  • Disinfectants eliminate or neutralize infections of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria.
  • Fungicides kill spores that create fungus. These pesticides also kill and inhibit the growth of fungus such as mold, mildew and yeast.
  • Herbicides kill unwanted plants like weeds, plants and grass. Herbicides can also kill desired plants, so care is needed in the handling of these pesticides.
  • Insecticides kill insects and other arthropods. They can also be used to eliminate insect eggs and larvae.
  • Repellents work differently than other pesticides. Repellents repel pests like mosquitoes and even birds as a means of control and management. Pest repellent is designed to disrupt the usual behavior of pests in order to control pest damage and infestation, states Dr. Daniel Strickman, of the USDA Agricultural Service.

Common household pesticides

  • Mothballs are a repellent commonly found in closets.
  • Room foggers and insecticide sprays are used to remove infestations of roaches, fleas and ticks.
  • Flea collars and flea powder are used on pets to eliminate fleas on the animal.
  • All-purpose cleaners are disinfectants.
  • Bleach is a common disinfectant and antibacterial.
  • Insect bait — often found in cabinets and counters or behind refrigerators and stoves — is a common attractant pesticide.

Pesticide contact

If you come into contact with a pesticide, note the exact chemical or product and how strong and long you were in contact with the product. Call 911 or poison control (toll free 1-800-222-1222) immediately for quick advice about what to do if you have been exposed to any chemical, poison or pesticide.

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