It’s that time of year again here in Portland; the days are getting warmer and longer…and droves of insects and pests are appearing in yards, gardens, and homes throughout the city.
Thanks to our lush insect-friendly environment, it can feel like a constant battle to keep pests away and prevent them from damaging your property – especially during the spring and summer. So, when faced with a severe infestation, often the first reaction is to use a strong chemical pesticide to quickly destroy the problem.
Here’s the reality: using harsh pesticides in and around your home is dangerous. It’s much better to take an eco-friendly approach. Using environmentally friendly techniques to manage pests in the home is safer for you, your family, and your animals. It’s also more effective.
Keep reading to learn the truly amazing benefits of eco-friendly pest control techniques and why this green approach should always be your first reaction to a pest problem. Learn more with EcoCare Pest Control.
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The Problem with Pesticides
Over 1 billion pounds of chemical pesticides are used every year in the United States. This is highly unnerving considering pesticides are proven to cause a range of environmental and health problems.
Environmental Impact of Pesticides
Even when pesticides are applied to a small space they’ll travel outside of this area through the air, soil, or water. Pesticides can remain in the environment for a few days or for many years, causing big problems for our delicately balanced ecosystem.
For example, pesticide use has been linked to plummeting honeybee populations, which have been dropping by 29%-36% each year since 2006. Pesticide use is killing off other pollinators as well, including butterflies and hummingbirds, and even lizards and small mammals.
Health Risks Associated with Pesticide Exposure
Any amount of exposure, even tiny doses, can be hazardous to human development, reproduction, and overall health. The World Health Organization estimates there are 3 million cases of pesticide poisoning each year and up to 220,00 deaths (mostly in developing countries).
Chronic pesticide exposure has been linked to specific chronic health issues, including:
- Birth defects
- Cancer
- Genetic changes
- Blood disorders
- Nerve disorders
Other short-term issues associated with pesticide exposure are:
- Headaches
- Skin and eye irritation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Even for pets, ingesting or exposure to pesticides can cause issues ranging from fevers and vomiting to seizures and respiratory failure.
With so many adverse health effects and symptoms associated with pesticides, spraying these chemicals around your home to get rid of insects just isn’t worth it.
Can An Exterminator Really Be Eco-Friendly?
Choosing the right pest control company is an important decision. You want to make sure the company can effectively manage your pest problem without bringing poisonous products into your home and property. Choosing a pest control company that uses an eco-friendly approach is always the best option.
Can exterminators really be eco-friendly? The answer is a resounding YES.
Eco-friendly pest control companies use products that utilize biological controls like scents, tastes, and oils combined with safer, greener chemicals. Here at EcoCare Pest Control, we use a specially formulated treatment designed to specifically target pests, while being completely safe for people and most pets.
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Pest Control Methods
We’ve discussed how eco-friendly pest control methods are safer for the environment and for people, but there are additional reasons why using a minimally-toxic pest control method is always the better choice.
Better (More Long-Term) Results of Environmentally Friendly Pest Control
Eco-friendly pest control methods are just as effective as traditional techniques. In fact, they can even have better long-term results.
For instance, did you know that insects can develop a resistance to chemical control methods? This resistance will be passed on to the offspring, making it that much more difficult for exterminate an infestation. Eco-friendly solutions, however, make it much harder for pests to develop resistance to treatments.
Additionally, eco-friendly pest control works to address the root of the problem, increasing your chances that you won’t have the same issue again down the road.
Won’t Damage Landscaping
Traditional pest control methods require re-application every month or so. Repeatedly spraying these harsh chemicals on your property is not only bad for your health, but the health of your landscaping as well!
Toxic pest control methods often cause grass, bushes, and other plants to shrivel and die. Additionally, since these chemicals can stay buried in your soil for a long period of time, you may find regrowth very difficult.
Does Not Harm Useful Insects (Or Your Pets!)
Though you may not want to admit it, certain insects help your property. While toxic chemicals kill everything in their path, eco-friendly pest control methods are specifically targeted so as to avoid killing off every living organism.
This is especially important for your pets. By using a minimally-toxic pest control, your dog or cat will not be at risk of ingesting harmful (and potentially deadly) chemicals.
No Strong Smell
Conventional products will linger in the air after application. These products have a strong scent and leave you and your family sitting in a smelly home, inhaling air laced with toxic chemicals. Eco-friendly methods, on the other hand, do not have a harsh smell and will not linger or spread in your home.
Convenience
Other pest control methods may require you to seal all your food, clear out your fridge, and leave your home overnight. However, since eco-friendly pest control methods are minimally-toxic, you and your family don’t have to worry about “evacuating” your home during a treatment. Eco-friendly pest control won’t disrupt your life at all.
Our Eco-Friendly Approach to Pest Control
Since 2001, our team at EcoCare Pest Control has been dedicated to providing the best eco-friendly pest control services to Portland and Vancouver homeowners. Our specially formulated eco-friendly extermination methods are 100% safe and effective.
Our commitment to quality and safety has helped us win the Super Service Award from Angie’s List every year for over 10 years and received an A+ BBB rating! We’re proud to offer the best, most effective eco-friendly pest control services available…and we’ll always do it with a smile.