Alternatives to Chemical Pesticides
Chemical pesticides are not a cure-all. Insects and weeds will never be eradicated. One no-cost, no-effort substitute to pesticides is to develop a certain level of tolerance for some weeds and other pests. Why not tolerate minor flaws and blemishes on fruit and vegetation? The following are a few alternative methods of pest control for lawns, trees, shrubs and vegetable gardens.
Lawns
The best way to avoid weeds is to maintain your lawn’s health through:
- using the right grasses for your yard;
- using a sharp mower blade and raising the mower height (leaving grass 5 to 10 centimetres/2 to 4 inches tall);
- keeping thatch thickness at 1.5 centimetres (1/2 inch);
- watering and fertlizing as needed - heavy watering (2.5 centimetres/ 1 inch) approximately once a week is better than frequent shallow watering.
- Removing weeds by hand or garden tools is the surest way to control them without using chemical herbicides.
Trees and Shrubs
In most cases, damage by insect pests is more troubling to the homeowner than it is to the plant as most trees and shrubs survive infestations. There are several ways to control these pests without resorting to chemical pesticides:
- Pick off infested leaves by hand and dispose of them (not in compost). This will control moderate infestations like lilac leaf miner, leaf rollers and spruce budworm larvae.
- In late fall or early spring, prune branches containing the grey egg bands of the forest tent caterpillar. Use a knife to scrape them off larger limbs.
- Using a garden hose, direct a strong stream of water against trees and shrubs to dislodge insects. This is particularly effective against spider mites and pear slugs.
Vegetable Gardens
- Cultivate your garden. Regular hoeing will control weeds and keep plants healthy and more resistant to insects.
- Whenever possible, dig out weeds by hand.
- Pick off infested leaves by hand to control insects such as the Colorado potato beetle.
- To keep some insects away from tomatoes, peas, cabbages and beans, remove both ends from tin cans and sink them around the plants.
- Rotate crops each year to prevent the soil from being depleted of nutrients and to control soil-borne diseases.
Applying Chemical Pesticides
It is important to remember that chemical pesticides are poisons and should be used as a last resort and with extreme caution.
Before you buy
- Identify the problem and select the correct pesticide.
- Always read and follow label directions and safety precautions before buying the product. The label must include the name of the pest to be controlled and the treatment location (e.g., indoor, outdoor, garden uses, pet treatment).
- Purchase only the quantity of product needed for the treatment.
- Check with your neighbours to determine if there are any sensitivities.
Friendlier Insecticides
A Sign of the Times
Warning your family, friends and neighbours of pesticide use is important to their well-being. Post warning signs 24 hours prior to and 48 hours after application. Make sure they are highly visible. Reusable signs are available at City Hall, Leisure Facilities and participating retail outlets.
Application:
- Carefully read and follow all label instructions and precautions.
- Do not drink, eat or smoke while applying pesticides.
- People and pets should vacate the area during treatment.
- Mix pesticides outdoors, in a well ventilated area sheltered from the wind.
- Wear protective clothing (coveralls, washable hats, rubber gloves and boots) and equipment (goggles, respirators) as instructed by the label.
- Measure accurately with a separate set of plastic measuring spoons or containers and label them “For Pesticide Use Only”.
- Apply to target areas or plants only. Do not apply to sidewalks, driveways or other hard surfaces.
When not to apply:
- Avoid run-off – this is one of the most direct ways pesticides and fertilizers enter waterways. Do not apply pesticides if it is raining or rainfall is expected, and do not create run-off by over watering.
- To avoid drift, never apply pesticides on windy days. Avoid application when the temperature exceeds 27C. Check label for more detailed instructions.
- Protect public property and your neighbours. Avoid application within a metre of any property line.
After application:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling any pesticide product and remove contaminated clothing immediately.
- Wash protective, measuring and application equipment thoroughly. Wash contaminated clothing separately from other laundry and dry on clothes line. Run the empty washer through a wash cycle.
- Adhere to waiting periods (specified on the label) between application and harvest of fruits and vegetables, or contact with treated lawns.
- Soak up spills with disposable absorbent materials (sawdust, kitty litter, rags) and safely discard.
Storage:
- All pesticides must be stored in their original containers, and kept out of the reach of children and pets (preferably in a locked cabinet in a cool, dry location).
- Make sure containers are tightly sealed and periodically check for leaks.
- Avoid stockpiling by carefully planning your pest control program in advance.
- Use up small volumes of pesticides or give what is left to a responsible friend or neighbour in need of the material.
- Follow government regulations for disposal of containers.
Poisoning:
- Call the Poison Centre immediately (in Saskatchewan: 1-866-454-1212) and seek medical attention.
- Take the pesticide container or label with you to the emergency facility or physician.
- Follow the first aid instructions on the label.
- In case of accidental poisoning of pets, seek veterinary attention.
What About Public Green Space?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a decision-making process that uses all necessary techniques to suppress pests (insects, weeds, plant diseases) effectively, economically and in an environmentally sound manner. The City of Saskatoon’s Park Branch implemented this philosophy in 1992, long before the term was well known. The Branch has a solid record of insisting on a limited use of pesticides. The Branch maintains that a reasonable amount of weed growth must be expected and evident for a short period in spring when dandelions bloom. When pesticides are applied (usually on civic golf courses or cemetery grounds), warning signs are posted.
For further information on how to safely maintain a healthy lawn and garden, check out these local, provincial, and national organizations:
Or call any of the greenhouses, professional exterminators, lawn care companies or retailers listed in the Yellow Pages.