What to Know About DIY Pest Control

NEW YORK — The rise of “homemade” or do-it-yourself pest control remedies has prompted many individuals to experiment with natural solutions in an effort to avoid harsh chemicals and save on costs. But before using or making your own pesticides, it’s essential to understand their potential risks, legal implications, and effectiveness.

Here’s a look into the concerns and legalities surrounding homemade pesticides:

Are homemade pesticides legal?

In the United States, homemade pesticides fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. FIFRA mandates that all pesticides, whether homemade or commercial, must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency or qualify for an exemption.

Products registered by the EPA have been thoroughly tested for effectiveness and safety to applicators, consumers, the environment and plants. When products are used according to label instructions, users can be assured they are not harmful. While natural ingredients like garlic or vinegar might seem harmless, these mixtures if used as pesticides are subject to the same regulations as store-bought products.

The issue lies in the lack of oversight on homemade remedies. Since many DIY concoctions are not registered, users unknowingly can violate federal regulations. Even if the ingredients themselves are considered safe, improper usage or inadequate labeling can create risks, making it crucial to verify whether a homemade pesticide complies with regulatory standards.

In addition to FIFRA, Section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act provides EPA authorization to set tolerances and maximum residue limits for pesticides on foods. Tolerances set by the EPA are “safe” or there is “reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide residue.”

Effectiveness of home remedies

Although some homemade remedies, such as soapy water or vinegar-based sprays, often are touted as effective pest control solutions, their actual efficacy is highly variable. Unlike commercial products that are rigorously tested for performance, homemade pesticides lack scientific data to support their reliability in controlling pests.

Many online recipes simply do not have the potency or consistency required to target pests effectively and misuse even can exacerbate the problem.

For instance, while dish soap may kill certain pests by suffocating them, its detergent properties can harm plants by stripping protective waxes from their leaves. Furthermore, formulations of household products such as dish soap may change without any obvious indication on the packaging, resulting in different effects on plants from batch to batch of homemade pest control remedies.

This is just one example of how homemade mixtures, while seemingly harmless, may cause damage to your plants or the environment. In contrast, registered commercial pesticides are designed to work more effectively without posing harm to plants when used according to instructions.

Health and environmental concerns

Homemade pesticides may seem like an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical-laden commercial products, but they often come with hidden dangers. For example, some homemade solutions can be toxic to pets or children, especially if ingested or improperly stored. Furthermore, because these solutions are not tested for safety, their long-term environmental impact remains unclear.

Ingredients of household products can sometimes be more hazardous when mixed. For example, mixing substances like hydrogen peroxide and vinegar produce peracetic/peroxyacetic acid which is highly corrosive and may lead to irritation of skin, eyes and respiratory system. Additionally, there is no clear guidance on the appropriate storage or disposal of these mixtures, leading to potential risks of poisoning or environmental contamination.

Lack of instructions and safety guidelines

Another concern is that homemade pesticides generally lack the detailed instructions that are provided with commercially available products. The labels on commercial pesticides contain important information, such as safe application methods, recommended dilution ratios, and first-aid steps in case of exposure. Without these guidelines, users are more likely to misuse the product or expose themselves to health risks.

This is a critical issue, as improper handling of homemade pesticides can result in chemical burns, inhalation of toxic fumes, or skin irritation. Worse, improperly stored mixtures can be mistaken for food or beverage containers, which has led to several poisoning incidents, particularly among children.

Alternatives

Rather than relying on potentially harmful or ineffective home remedies, consider alternative pest control methods. Integrated Pest Management offers a more sustainable approach, using a combination of biological, physical and cultural practices to manage pest populations. For example, encouraging natural predators like ladybugs can help control aphids, while maintaining a healthy garden environment can naturally discourage pests.

When pest problems arise, it’s important to carefully evaluate your options and consider professional pest control products or services that are safe, legal, and effective. Though homemade remedies may seem like a cost-saving, natural solution, they come with risks that may outweigh the benefits.

Conclusion

While homemade pesticides may seem like an appealing, natural alternative to chemical pesticides, they carry significant risks, both in terms of safety and legality. Homemade mixtures are often unregulated, untested, and may be harmful to humans, pets and the environment. If you’re considering using a homemade pesticide, it’s essential to understand the legal implications, risks and potential harms involved.

Instead of relying on unproven remedies, it may be more prudent to seek out safer, scientifically validated pest control solutions, such as those available through professional services or well-researched commercial products.

When in doubt, always prioritize safety and compliance with local regulations to ensure the well-being of your household and the environment.

Source: Tad Campbell, Extension Associate for Pesticide Safety Education Program