What Is a Pesticide?
A common misconception about pesticides is that they're bug killers. While partly true, insect control is only one use for pesticides. Here's the definition of a pesticide from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): "A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest." All pesticides must be tested, registered and carry a label approved by the EPA. Despite the agricultural community's regular use of pesticides, homeowners are the No. 1 users.
Pests take many forms besides insects. The family of pesticides includes:
- Insecticides: Insect attractants and repellents, flea collars for pets
- Herbicides: Plant defoliants and desiccants
- Rodenticides: Rat and mouse killers
- Germicides: Bathroom disinfectants
- Algicides: Including some pool chemicals
- Mildewcides: Contained in some cleaning products
- Fungicides, miticides, larvicides and more
There are others that aren't common to everyday consumers, such as commercial chemicals that sterilize and regulate plant or animal growth. Read more about pesticides.
Finding the Right Pesticide
Before you purchase or use any pesticide:
- Recognize the problem. Is the damage caused by insects, animals, disease or fungus? For example: The leaves are curled on your plant. Is it a virus or a sucking insect? If you don't actually see the pest, look for the type of damage that's being done. Holes in leaves usually indicate insect damage. Spots on leaves often mean disease.
- Identify the pest properly. Use your local Cooperative Extension Service or other resource. A guidebook with illustrations of pests, weeds and plant diseases is a good investment and a valuable tool for a home gardener.
- Determine how extensive the damage is. Did you see one bug or spot, or is the plant covered?
- Decide your personal level of pest tolerance before applying any pesticide. Treating the problem can harm beneficial insects, such as honeybees or other pollinators.
Read about alternatives to chemical pest control.
Types of Pesticides
There are several variations of pesticides for weed and insect control.
Selective pesticides are formulated to deal with a specific problem.
Nonselective pesticides indiscriminately kill anything that they contact.
Systemic pesticides are meant to be ingested by the target pest, working from the inside out.
Topical or contact pesticides are applied to the outer surface of the pest, working from the outside in.
Pre-emergents deal with weeds in the dormant or seed stage before germination.
Post-emergents kill weeds after they've sprouted and are actively growing. Contact herbicides are post-emergents.
Liquid, Powder or Granules
- Liquids are easy to apply and stick to the surface when dry.
- Powders or dusts are applied in their dry state.
- Granules are applied like powders, usually to the soil, but cause less dust.
- Baits attract pests to a trap or strip. The pest ingests the pesticide and returns to the nest, where it spreads the poison and kills the others.
- Gels act the same as baits; effective when shared with the pest colony. Gels work well when applied to cracks or other gaps where pests may enter.
- Sprays usually kill soon after contact when absorbed by the weed or insect.
- Barriers are applied to the perimeter of the house to keep insect pests out.
Concentrates are mixed with a delivery medium (usually water) and sprayed.
Synthetic pesticides are chemical compounds formulated to attack certain pests.
Organic pesticides serve the same purpose as synthetics but are formulated from organic or other natural sources.
The application method varies depending on the composition of the pesticide. The most common means of application are:
- Aerosol or nonaerosol pump trigger sprayer
- Spreader
- Duster
- Compression sprayer
- Backpack sprayer
- Hose-end sprayer
- Bait trap
Reading a Pesticide Label
The label isn't just for safety's sake; it explains the product — how efficiently the product works, where, when and how it should be applied, plus how to store and dispose of it properly. In the event first aid is necessary, the key information for treatment is there.
Read the label before you buy pesticides, and read it again before each use. Follow all manufacturers' instructions. The information on the label is mandated by law and approved by the EPA. On the label you'll find:
Common Name/Brand Name: Common names are simplified versions of the usually much longer name of the chemical compound. Brand names vary by manufacturer. When comparing brands, the shared information is the chemical name found on the label.
Active Ingredient: The ingredient that deals with the pest is called the active ingredient. It appears as either a common or chemical name on the label along with the percentage by weight in the container.
Other Ingredients: Additional elements are added to enhance the application, handling, storage or other characteristics of the pesticide. Also called "inert" ingredients on the label, these components aren't specifically named on the label. Being labeled as inert doesn't necessarily mean that these additional elements are nontoxic. They're merely not active in the compound. Other additives, called adjuvants, are included in the mix to help the pesticide stick or spread, keep it from drifting in the wind or to increase penetration.
EPA Registration Number: The number tells you that the pesticide has been reviewed and approved by the EPA. The number isn't an endorsement of the product.
Signal Words: These important notices indicate the level of toxicity if exposed to the skin or eyes, eaten or inhaled. Toxicity is rated on a scale that separates pesticides into three levels:
- Caution identifies the pesticides that are slightly toxic, the least harmful.
- Warning tells you it's more poisonous than a pesticide with a Caution label but still moderately toxic.
- Danger on the label indicates that the pesticide is very poisonous, highly irritating or toxic. These products should also be marked as "poison." Use them with extreme care.
First Aid: Instructions are here for dealing with swallowing, inhaling or contact with skin or eyes. If the pesticide is toxic, the label will give you emergency first aid instructions. Remember that first aid is exactly that: a quick remedy until medical assistance or advice can be obtained from a doctor or poison control agency. If you must call for medical assistance, have the container or label at hand.
Directions for Use: The pesticide is effective only if you follow the application instructions carefully. In addition to directions on the amount to use, you'll see information on when, where and how to apply. You can also confirm that the pesticide is the correct one for your pest and determine what other plants or animals it can be safely used on or around. In addition, the label states how soon you can pick and eat fruits and vegetables after application.
Storage and Disposal: These are the instructions for safe storage and disposal of leftover pesticide and empty containers. Because state and local ordinances vary, check with your local county Extension Office for more information.
Toxicity and exposure determine the degree of possible injury. Exposure can occur in one of three ways:
- Dermal exposure occurs when the pesticide comes into contact with the skin. Some pesticides are highly corrosive to eyes and skin.
- Inhalation exposure occurs from breathing fumes or vapor when applying.
- Ingestion is less common but still a concern if the user eats, drinks or smokes after applying a pesticide without first washing thoroughly.
Always keep pesticides away from the reach of children. When using lawn treatments or lawn care products, always follow package directions regarding proper clothing, protective equipment, application procedures and safety precautions. Use special caution when mixing pesticide concentrates.
Natural Pest Control for Gardens
While using pesticides and insecticides for gardens are effective ways to treat pests in and around the home, there may be times when you want to treat the pests without the aid of natural or organic means. It’s only natural that you want to keep your garden’s ecosystem as healthy as possible. There are many pest and insect repellents that you can make at home and some that you can buy, ranging from soap spray to chili spray to vegetable oil spray.
Neem oil is a natural pest control for gardens that is often used to combat insects and other garden pests. It can be used as a preventative to keep pests away before they can do damage. If you don’t catch insects until after the damage is done, mix two teaspoons of neem oil with one teaspoon of mild dish washing liquid and one quart of water in a spray bottle and shake vigorously. Spray on the affected plant.
Some plants act as natural repellants, also known as companion planting, to insects and other pests. Mint is a plant that grows aggressively, but it’s also a plant that repels ants, cabbage moths and aphids. Grow them in pots and place them around your garden where they can protect the other plants. Onions are a great addition to your garden and they’re a natural repellent to insects like slugs, aphids, cabbageworms and even pesky rabbits. Other natural garden pest control pesticides include using diatomaceous earth powder to combat ants, slugs and snails, garlic for beetles, caterpillars and whiteflies, and petunias to repel leafhoppers, tomato hornworms and squash bugs.
Organic Pest Control for Gardens
Having a healthy garden with a thriving, organic ecosystem means healthy from the soil up. To introduce anything other than organic would mean compromising the health and life of the plant. That applies to the pest control that’s used, too. When you’re looking to buy organic pesticides for vegetables or any other plants, ensure that what you’re purchasing states clearly that it’s for organic gardening, it’s marked USDA Organic or it’s OMRI certified.
Of course, choosing the best organic pesticide depends on your garden and the insects or pests you’re dealing with. Neem oil, a biodegradable derivative of the neem tree that works as both a natural pest control and an organic pest control, guards against many insects.
When It Comes to Pesticides, You Have A Choice
Pesticides cover a range of options that you can use. There’s no one pesticide that will eradicate all types of pests. Find the pesticides that best suit your garden or needs and keep several on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right pesticide can sometimes be challenging. Below are some of the questions that customers ask about pesticides.
Where Can You Buy Pesticides?
You can buy pesticides at your local Lowe’s where a store associate will be happy to help you find the right pesticide for your garden or home.
What is the Best Organic Pesticide for Vegetables?
Neem oil is widely considered the best organic pesticide for vegetables. It’s a versatile, organic pesticide. While it may not work on every known pest, it is considered an all-purpose solution that’s effective on a variety of pests to protect different types of vegetables.