spray of chemicals is the most convenient method chosen to get rid of insects and pests. How is it impacting the consumer?
Answers
Explanation
A pesticide treatment program is designed to get rid of pests by using one or more pesticides. Pesticides should not be used unless there is a definite need to do so and where a pest problem has been identified, such as extensive cockroach infestations in people’s houses.
Before a pesticide application program is undertaken, alternative methods of pest control must be considered, such as domestic hygiene measures.
In applying a pesticide it is extremely important to choose the correct one for the job and to apply it safely and in accordance with the label directions.
8.1 Choosing the correct pesticide
In choosing the correct pesticide for a treatment program there are a number of factors that should be considered:
Which of the available pesticides will control the target pest or pests?
Of these, which would be the better pesticide to use? The choice should take into account the required application method and the pesticide's level of toxicity.
How is it applied?
For how long will it control the pest?
How toxic is it to humans and other non-target species?
Can it cause damage to the environment and how might this occur?
Is it biodegradable?
The pesticide
How much of the job will one container of pesticide do? Will more be needed and if so, how much? Does it need to be mixed with anything? If so, what and how much?
Where and how should it be stored?
How should containers and leftover pesticide be disposed of?
The equipment
What application equipment is needed?
What protective clothing and equipment is required?
How should the protective clothing and equipment, and the application equipment be
8.2 Insecticide types
Most of the pesticides used around houses are insecticides. They are used to kill the many insect pests that annoy people and/or affect their health. The majority of insecticides belong to several basic groups which are broadly defined by the chemicals used to make them. These are inorganic insecticides, organic pyrethrins, synthetic pyrethroids, organophosphorous insecticides and insect growth regulators.
Inorganic insecticides
These insecticides are of mineral origin and include substances such as arsenic trioxide powder (used in termite treatments) and boric acid (used in cockroach treatments). Some of them are not commonly used these days. This is because they are often highly toxic to mammals (furred, warm-blloded animals), are non-biodegradable, or simply because easier methods have been found.
Most inorganic pesticides have a stomach poisoning action. For this reason they are usually in solid form and are applied as baits.
Organic pyrethrins
These are made from certain plants. The most widely used natural insecticide is pyrethrin which is obtained from a type of chrysanthemum flower.
Pyrethrin has a number of advantages as an insecticide:
It is a broad spectrum insecticide. This means it will kill a wide range of insect pests.
It has low toxicity to mammals
It acts quickly, that is, it has a fast knockdown
It is biodegradable (breaks down fairly quickly)
The main disadvantage of pyrethrin is that it has little or no residual action.
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A number of precautions should be remembered while using the sprayer and applying the insecticide:
The trigger on the lance or the nozzle tap should not be turned on or activated unless the lance is pointed at the area to be sprayed.
Care should be taken to make sure that spray does not drift onto the operator or anywhere it is not intended. If weather conditions deteriorate and it becomes windy, spraying should cease or be delayed. Even in low wind, wind direction must be noted and action taken to reduce the effect of any spray drift.
If appropriate, a nozzle hood can be fitted to the sprayer to reduce spray drift. These are often used with herbicides.
The spraying area should be cleared of other people, pets and food bowls while the insecticide is applied.
Note: Fish and birds are very susceptible to pesticide poisoning, so great care must be taken not to allow spray drift to contaminate them or their food.
The operator must be wearing the correct protective clothing and equipment during the whole spraying operation.
Spraying should be carried out in the cool times of the day
The operator must be upwind of spray drift, if any, and must not smoke or eat while applying the insecticide
At mealtimes and tea-breaks, the operator must wash their hands and face with soap and cool to warm water (i.e. not hot water) and remove aprons and gloves before eating or smoking
At the end of the operation the spray equipment must be thoroughly cleaned. Dispose of any pesticide left over and rinse the spray equipment with water. The nozzle and hose are best cleaned by partly filling the tank with clean water, pumping up the pressure and spraying water through the nozzle, ensuring the waste liquid does not create a health hazard or harm to the environment.
Periodically the sprayer should be cleaned with a brush and warm soapy water and any faults repaired.