What Are the Chemicals Used For Pest Control?
In order to achieve commendable results from pest control treatments, it is necessary to use the correct chemicals. These chemicals should be chosen depending on the type of pests and the climate. Professionals can offer guidance on which chemicals to use, as well as the appropriate precautionary measures. Here are some common chemicals used for pest control:
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Organochlorine insecticides
Organochlorine insecticides are used in pest control as a means of killing insects. They have been linked to adverse health effects such as neurological damage and endocrine disruption. They also have the potential to bioaccumulate in organisms, including the food chain.
These chemicals have been banned in many countries, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in Europe. However, many of these pesticides are still widely used in pest control, especially in developing countries. Although they are banned, they remain active ingredients in many commercial pesticides and are still used in agricultural practices.
Organochlorine insecticides have also been linked to a number of health effects, including low birth weight and low blood pressure. A recent study conducted in Costa Rica and Central America concluded that these chemicals can cause neurodegeneration in humans. The findings were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute and the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health.
Piperonyl butoxide
Piperonyl butoxide is an organic compound that is a semi-synthetic derivative of safrole, a popular insecticide. It is used for a variety of pest control applications, from head lice treatments to flea and tick treatments. It works by increasing the activity of other pesticides by inhibiting the natural defense mechanisms of insects. The most important of these defense mechanisms is the cytochrome P-450 system.
Piperonyl butoxide is not toxic to people or pets, but it is toxic to aquatic organisms and fish. It is also highly toxic to frogs and birds. However, it is unlikely to accumulate in their bodies. However, it is not known how much of it is toxic to children.
In tests conducted on mice and rats, piperonyl butoxide increased the risk of developing liver cancer when fed in high concentrations for two years. Two other studies also reported cancer-related effects in the intestines and thyroid glands of mice. However, the National Toxicology Program found no link between PBO and any type of cancer in humans.
Permethrin
Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide that has broad-spectrum activity against many insect species. It works by inhibiting the nervous system of impacted creatures, causing them to either die or be paralyzed. It is used to kill both adult insects and larvae, and can also be used on plant surfaces. It is effective against all life stages but is especially effective against larvae. About 60% of the permethrin that is produced is used on cotton plants, but it can also be used to treat other crops such as maize, soya beans, coffee, rape seed oil, and even vegetables.
Although permethrin is commonly used to control insects, it can pose a threat to the environment. It is not readily biodegradable in the environment and can persist in the soil or water for many years after its application. It also does not mix well with water and is usually bound to sediments. Therefore, permethrin rarely pollutes groundwater. It does not evaporate easily from surfaces, either. According to one study, about 60% of the permethrin was still on a surface after 20 days of exposure.