URBAN GARDENER

Using low-risk pesticides prevents damage to nature

By Kimberly Perry

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Apr 07, 2014

~~<p>Studies have found that home gardeners are apt to apply more pesticides than farmers or landscapers and with the National Garden Association reporting that 85 million U.S. households engage in home gardening, the collective misuse of pesticides is an issue of growing concern.</p><p>Misuse of pesticides can have a number of unintended consequences, including damaging plants, intensifying pest problems and contributing to soil, air or water pollution. Certain pesticides persist in the environment for years, posing a threat to human health, wildlife and the overall health of the environment. In light of these repercussions, pesticides should never be used without careful consideration or outside of an integrated pest management program.</p>~~

Studies have found that home gardeners are apt to apply more pesticides than farmers or landscapers and with the National Garden Association reporting that 85 million U.S. households engage in home gardening, the collective misuse of pesticides is an issue of growing concern.

Misuse of pesticides can have a number of unintended consequences, including damaging plants, intensifying pest problems and contributing to soil, air or water pollution. Certain pesticides persist in the environment for years, posing a threat to human health, wildlife and the overall health of the environment. In light of these repercussions, pesticides should never be used without careful consideration or outside of an integrated pest management program. Login for more...