The wide use of pesticides in today’s world is having serious health ramifications on both humans and animals. You may not realize that many household products are pesticides, such as cockroach sprays and baits, bug repellents, flea and tick sprays, even pet collars. Products that kill mold and mildew are pesticides, as are weed killers, rodent poisons, even some swimming pool chemicals. Insect repellent sprayed on your clothes or body are also pesticides.
These pesticides are all dangerous to one’s health in ways you may not suspect. On humans, insecticides can cause cancer, affect neurological systems, your memory, and cause a host of other problems including headaches, depression, and flu-like symptoms, even Alzheimer’s disease. The mere fact that pesticides are designed to kill living organisms should be enough to give one pause when considering use of these products. Almost a billion pounds of pesticides per year are used in conventional farming, and the consumption of foods grown that way is inherently dangerous. You, your children, and your pets may be affected by exposure to pest control products while strolling through your herbicide treated lawn.
Children are particularly susceptible to pesticides, the effects of which can begin even in utero. They can cause lower IQ levels and other types of developmental and neurological damage, including ADHD. The increasing incidence of autism in children may be a direct result of exposure to pest control products. The effects of exposure can last for the rest of their lives. Because the health problems associated with pesticide often take years to manifest, the connection may be easily overlooked.
Organophosphates are insecticides, originally developed in the 1940s for use in chemical warfare. They are listed by the EPA as a possible human carcinogen, and exposure may even lead to death. Since many commonly consumed fruits and vegetables contain these poisons, it is imperative that parents choose organic products wherever possible in order to minimize exposure. Look for the USDA Organic label wherever you shop. Do not be fooled by the word “natural” as this does not mean organic. The term “natural” is unregulated and is over-used as a way to trick consumers into believing a food choice may be healthier or more nutritious than it actually is.
One particular pesticide is especially toxic to honeybees. We depend on honeybees to pollinate dozens of crops in our food chain, and without their help we will soon be in big trouble. It has not yet been determined what the long-range effects will be on our food supply and on human health, but for certain it will not be good.
To reduce the health damage done by repeated use and exposure to pesticides around your home, chose natural pest control methods. Many organic and non toxic pest control methods are available. Look for the words green or organic on the label when choosing a natural pest control method.
No matter if you want to repel spiders, or get rid of bed bugs, keep ants out of your house, or repel flies, safe alternatives are available. A little knowledge about how to repel pests naturally will help keep you and your family safe. Learning a little about the insects you are trying to control or kill can help you to determine which method of natural pest control will work for you.
Donna believes in living a natural lifestyle with minimal use of chemicals. Whole, organic foods and natural remedies are part of her daily life to maintain good health. Donna only uses natural pest control methods and home-made, non-toxic cleaning products in her home to assure optimal health for her family and pets.

Information found on: Site