Use pesticides carefully for lawn problems
Winter is over, spring is in the air, and your lawn looks like it could use a little help this season. Wild weeds, pest insects and fungal diseases can all cause your lawn to look unattractive.
The use of pesticide can help control many lawn pests. But pesticides have risks as well as benefits, and it is important to use them properly.
Pesticides include insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. All pesticides are toxic to some degree. They can pose some risk to you, your children and pets, and to any wildlife that venture onto your lawn – especially if these chemicals are overused or carelessly applied.
Before using any pesticide, the Better Business Bureau, along with the Environmental Protection Agency, suggest you review the following basic rules:
1) Take safety precautions. Never assume a pesticide is harmless.
• Read the entire label and follow its instructions.
• Use only the amount directed, at the time and under conditions specified.
• Be sure to wear protective clothing – like gloves, long sleeves, and long pants, and wash the clothing separately before using it again.
• Keep children and pets away from pesticides, and make sure no one goes on a treated lawn for at least the time prescribed by the pesticide label.
• Remember to follow any state or local requirements for posting your treated lawn or notifying your neighbors that a pesticide has been applied.
• Store and dispose of pesticides properly, according to the label directions and any state and local regulations.
2) Use pesticides to minimize pests, not eradicate them. The latter is often impossible and unnecessary.
3) Be sure you have accurately identified the pest so you can choose the best pesticide for the job and use it effectively. Obtain professional advice from your county extension agent or a local expert.
4) Spot treat whenever possible. In most cases, it is not necessary to treat the whole lawn with pesticides if the problem is confined to certain areas. Spraying more than necessary is wasteful and can be environmentally damaging.
Pesticides are not the only things that contribute to a beautiful lawn. Tom Swett, owner of Ameri Care Services, Inc. in Murfreesboro suggests proper cultural practices.
“We see many homeowners doing more damage to their lawn by improper mowing heights,” said Swett. “Many homeowners inadvertently mow their lawns too short, they think this will stretch out the mowing frequency. However, the opposite occurs, it weakens the desirable turf grass, and this encourages weed growth.”
Mr. Swett also said weeds will grow faster than a good turf type grass. Weeds also grow at varied heights, making your lawn look rough.
If you have questions about a pesticide, contact EPA’s toll-free National Pesticide Telecommunications Network at 1-800-858-7378. For a free copy of the Citizen’s Guide to Pesticides brochure, write to: EPA, Office of Pesticide Programs, Field Operations Division, H7506C, 401 M Street, SW, Washington, DC 20460.
If you choose to hire a professional lawn care service, check the company’s reliability report with the BBB. For more information, call your Better Business Bureau at 615-867-0032 or call our 24-hour information hotline at 242-4222 or 1-800-989-4222. You can also visit our web site at www.middletennessee-.bbb.org.