How Safe Are Pesticides for You and Your Family?

February 3, 2022

When there are pests crawling through your home (whether it’s rodents or insects), you’re willing to do almost anything to get rid of them. But you wonder: Are pest control chemicals safe? You may be concerned that these chemicals will damage your family’s health.

Let’s take a look at the potential danger associated with pest control chemicals.

Are pest control chemicals harmful?

The fact is that most pest control chemicals can be dangerous to your health and to the health of your children and pets. Unless your pest control company utilizes safe and sustainable products, they may be using harmful chemicals. Some of these pest control chemicals have been linked to cancer, asthma, developmental issues and reproductive disabilities.

Skin contact, ingestion and inhalation are the three main ways that pesticide exposure can cause harm to humans instead of just to the pests they’re intended for. Pesticide residue can transfer from a surface or clothing onto your skin. Powder or vapor may be inhaled and affect your lungs. If you forget to wash your hands after coming into contact with pesticides, then you may ingest them.

Pesticide exposure can lead to mild to severe poisoning. Your body’s reaction may be immediate or could present as late as a few days later. Typical symptoms of mild pesticide poisoning include:

  • Headaches
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Thirst
  • Skin and eye irritation

More serious poisoning can result in diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, difficulty breathing, fever and insomnia.

Why you should trust professional pest experts

A professional pest expert won’t put you or your family at risk. They know how to apply pest control chemicals safely. All pest control chemicals are regulated by government agencies like the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Agriculture. A licensed pest control technician with a regulated company is well trained in the latest pesticide use regulations. They know how much of each chemical to use, where to use it and how to protect their customers.

What you shouldn’t do is assume that you can handle pest control on your own. Any chemical will pose a risk to your family if it isn’t used properly.

Alternatives to chemicals

Another possibility is to use alternatives to the typically harsh chemicals associated with pest control. Minimum risks pesticides may pose by using natural ingredients to keep pests away. For example, you may want to try sprinkling cinnamon in any area that has an ant infestation. Other alternatives to chemicals include:

  • Lemongrass oil
  • Potassium sorbate
  • Thyme
  • Sodium lauryl sulfate
  • Sodium chloride
  • Citronella oil

If you don’t want to wonder whether pest control chemicals are harmful, then choose a pest control company that uses environmentally-friendly products and treatments.

Crist Termite & Pest Solutions, Inc. is the company to turn to when you have a persistent pest problem. We’re a fully-licensed pest control company known for going above and beyond for our customers. We do it all—from free inspections to mitigation of rodents, termites, ants and more. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

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Crist Termite and Pest Solutions, Inc.