Understanding Organic Pest Control

Organic has become the catch phrase for “safe”; however, “safe” in the minds of most translates into non-toxic. When applied to food it means free of chemical additives or pesticides. In the pest management industry it means any non-chemical approach, or even the use of plant oils to address pest issues. The fact that these plant based products breakdown naturally into the environment makes them desirable to many.

The State Environmental Conservation Agency defines a pesticide as “any substance or mixture of substances intended for the preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating of any pest, or intended for the use as a plant regulator, defoliant or desiccant”. Technically this definition would also apply to “organic” materials as well. Even organic methods can be toxic if in the hands of the untrained.

A drawback to using “organic materials” is that they will breakdown more quickly, resulting in a need for multiple applications. Another possibility – if you have allergies you may have a reaction to some of the natural plant oils. Having these facts clear in mind will assist you to determine if an organic pest control approach is best.