Many people attempt do-it-yourself pest control before contacting a company. DIY pest control can work if it’s not done recklessly but there are a few things to keep in mind to limit the negative effects on our water, air, ground, etc… when using pesticides.

• Follow the label on the products – I know it’s common sense but the label is there for a reason
• Get rid of unused products properly…check the label for instructions and use a household waste collection center when necessary. Visit Earth911.com to find a HHW center near you. Here’s a list of HHW centers near Irvine, California.
• Do not mix pesticides near a well head and be sure your well isolates surface water sources
• Avoid using pesticides when winds are more than 10 mph
• Do not recycle any containers that have once stored pesticides unless your recycling program accepts those containers

Why is this a problem? Our fresh water comes from two sources: ground water and surface water. Surface water is found in lakes, rivers, reservoirs (fake lakes), etc… On the other hand, ground water is often found in aquifers which are water-bearing layers of earth.

Pesticides can enter our drinking water a number of ways; washing away from rain, seeping through the soil and into an aquifer, being intentionally added by water treatment plants to protect people from bacteria and unfortunately, illegally dumping pesticides down the drain, in creeks, etc…

Note: Drinking water is regularly tested for pesticides, among other things. To find more information about your drinking water, contact your local government.

If there are pesticides or other chemicals in our water then fish are swimming in it and animals (humans too) might be drinking it. All chemicals (pesticides included) are harmful but the effects depend on the type of chemical, the amount of that chemical and the species exposed to the pesticide. For instance, pyrethroids are a class of pesticides considered very toxic to invertebrates but they do not affect humans as much.

So take care when applying your own pesticides and if you can, try an alternative pest control methods first. When in doubt, contact a professional company. A pest control company has countless hours of experience in properly applying pesticides.

Resources

The EPA has an excellent Citizen’s Guide to Pest Control and Pest Safety (pdf) – the guide is thorough and comprehensive

EPA Region 9 (includes California) Water Program

State of California Pesticide Regulations

{photo credit: over_kind_man}

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