By Graeme Leslie
Background
Pesticides and their use can often be an emotive issue. Positions range from seeing them as weapons of mass destruction or critical products for healthy living. The issue can be debated endlessly, but in this article, we look at the more practical aspects of use of these products and how responsible use can be encouraged so as to minimise the possible side effects from their use. This is particularly critical on the Simbithi Eco Estate where environmental protection is an important element of our environmental planning.
Types of pesticide
The overriding purpose in using any pesticide is the elimination (or more correctly suppression) of pests. First let’s be clear what we are talking about. Pesticides comprise a range of products including the familiar insecticides, herbicides and fungicides (Figure 1). Less familiar products include acaracides (for control of mites), nematicides (for control of nematodes), molluscicides (for control of snails) and rodenticides (for control of rats). All have the purpose for reducing the harmful or nuisance effects of pests. All pesticides consist of an active ingredient (the chemical that does the work) and other compounds that help the active ingredient to do its job. Whether a pesticide is “synthetic” or “organic” the aim is the same – getting rid of a pest. In most instances, domestic pests will fall into one of two or three categories – insects ( use insecticides) weeds ( use herbicides) and mites ( use acaricides).
Labels
Every pesticide that is registered for use has a licenced label (see Figure 2). There is a lot of critical information on a label and before using a particular product, READ THE LABEL. I say again – READ THE LABEL. The manufacturer has gone to great lengths to develop the product and how best to use it, and the information they provide on the label is the best you will ever get as to how to use their product most effectively.
When looking at the packaging of a pesticide you will notice a coloured band – typically near the base of the container or label. The band denotes the toxicity of the product (Figure 3). For domestic use try to use a product that has a green or blue band as these are the safest to use. However, remember all pesticides can be dangerous if not used as the label directs, so treat them with respect!
Application
As said, the label will be your best guide as to how to mix and apply the product, but generally for application in domestic situations a course spray is probably best (for example when using a herbicide, a fine mist spray can lead to drift resulting in unintentional damage to non-target plants).
For small scale domestic use, you have the advantage of being able to precisely place the pesticide – blanket spraying over a large area is not required. Consequently, you can work out just how much pesticide mix you need to treat a small patch or area. Disposal of excess mix is problematic so unless you can mix the exact quantities you need, it’s a good idea to prepare a small volume and use it all up, then make another mix as required. Aim not to have any mix left over.
Use and Safety
The safe use of pesticides is a major topic on its own and we can only skim the surface here but a few key issues are mentioned below.
Correct measuring
It is best, when preparing a solution to spray that you wear disposable gloves and use the measuring cup/container that is typically included in the product packaging to measure out the required amount of pesticide. Read and follow the instructions for applying the correct quantity of pesticide for the job at hand.
Product choice
We have touched on this before. By reading the label you will get the information needed for an informed decision about what pests the product will control and how, when and where a product is best used.
Dose
This will be given in the product information leaflet that comes with the packaging. Use the dose recommended. Use too much and you waste material and pollute the environment. Use too little and you will not have the desired effect. It is sometimes thought that if a little amount of product is effective, more will be even more effective. Not so – this simply wastes product and pollutes the environment.
Application equipment
For small applications a hand sprayer can do the job. For large areas a knapsack sprayer will be needed and is more complicated to use because calibration will be required to ensure the correct volume of pesticide is applied. However, this is unlikely to be needed for domestic use.
Timing and Placement
This can be important when trying to reduce pest damage to plants. Spray when damage is first noticed. Be aware that repeat spray(s) may be needed to fully suppress a pest. Apply a pesticide where the pest is – not where it isn’t! This sounds obvious, but effective application relies on the pesticide coming into contact with product, so think about where your pests are and treat accordingly. If possible, avoid applying pesticides on surfaces when fully exposed to bright sunshine. Although pesticides can be formulated to protect them from sunlight, many are rapidly broken down by UV light.
Efficacy/Choice of pesticide
How effective are pesticides? The simple answer is “very”. Modern pesticides are far more selective in their actions than earlier generations of pesticides. Years of research and development go into the production of pesticides which, when used according to their registered label, do their job. Old products had what is called a broad spectrum of activity in other words they were effective in treating a wide range of pests and were quite persistent in the environment. Newer products are more targeted and have lower persistence in the environment. So correct placement and dose become more important to get the maximum benefit from their use. Very often when a pesticide treatment fails it can be traced to factors such incorrect amount used, poor application methods or timing or even the incorrect product selected. The latter is very important. Gone are the days when, for example one insecticide treated all insect problems. Today pesticides are fine tuned to be most effective for a small group of pests.
Commercial service providers
Many residents will rely on commercial companies to provide their pest control needs. There are a number of advantages to this (e.g handling of toxic products, calculating correct volumes and calibration of equipment). However there have been instances of commercial companies disposing of surplus pesticide mix down the drainage systems of Simbithi! Best check with your service provider how they intend to handle any surplus mix so as to avoid the issues arising from such illegal disposal practices. It would also be valuable to ask just what products they intend using and why. You will then be in a better position to understand the implications of any recommendations that they provide as well as assessing their knowledge of the products used.
Pesticides are, for better or worse, a factor in our lives. Consequently, it is important that we familiarise ourselves as best we can with them so that informed decisions are made for the benefit of ourselves, our community and our environment.
