Pesticides and Sustainable Pest Management

A Comprehensive Guide For Consumers

The use of pesticides on crops and agriculture is nothing new. We have been employing pesticides to take care of these problems for decades now. However, things have changed recently and pesticide usage on undesirable insects in and around our homes and gardens has sparked a sustainable revolution.

Toxins have migrated from farmlands to the vegetable department of the grocery store, and consumers are emphasizing the need for organic and sustainable strategies to replace these poisons with healthier alternatives. The country and people have opened their eyes and are asking for safer options when it comes to eliminating pests.

A focused technique of only destroying the insect that is causing the harm has supplanted the long-held belief that removing all insects, good and bad, will boost crop yields. No longer do people want to kill all insects regardless of if they impact their plants or not.

Additionally, people are asking for green, sustainable pest management options to take care of their plants and the planet as well. All of this has created a huge demand of new products and processes in the pest management industry.

Modern Pesticides

Pest management and control is becoming a more diversified science, with hundreds of different management options to choose from. What once was a very straightforward and simple process and procedure has grown more complicated – but healthier for residents, plants, and the entire planet.

Traditional Pesticides

Traditional pesticides made of synthetic chemicals, which were first used in World War II, are actually a relatively new advance in the long-running war against pests and parasites. However, prior to the introduction of synthetic pesticides, the constant invasion of pests was met with a gradual, never-ending struggle of simple tools and natural chemicals.

Taking care of pests isn’t only about spraying them and plants with chemicals now though. In fact, pest control tactics have now developed into management – rather than purely elimination –  solutions. Companion planting to chemical sterilizing treatments are just a few of the chemical pest control tactics available. read more

Pesticides In The Urban Environment

What Is The Impact Of Dangerous Pesticide?

There is no doubt that pesticides work wonders in preventing the spread of insect pests that can negatively impact wildlife and agriculture. However, there are dangers about these products that should be observed and avoided.

Over the years, the impact of pesticides in major cities has been an area of great concern. In Australian state of New South Wales, pesticide use is controlled by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). Local exterminator, Adam Love from Pro Pest Control Sydney says certain products have proven to be dangerous and have even been banned in particular parts of the country. Meanwhile, a whole slew of healthy, green alternatives have popped up in the market place and have become more and more popular for city governments and consumers as well.

What is the impact of dangerous pesticides and what is being done to combat the damage they can do in big cities?

Impact of pesticides in the urban environment

Pesticides are undeniably very helpful to keep plants and food safe from pests that could spread filth, disease, and death. Over the last few generations, pesticides have worked wonders for the way that we grow, store, and consume our food. However, it cannot be ignored that they can also be very dangerous to humans and animals if used in the wrong way.

Pesticides are poisonous substances that are released into the environment on purpose. Despite the fact that each pesticide is designed to kill a specific bug, a considerable percentage of pesticides end up somewhere other than their intended target. When pesticides flow off from fields, leave storage tanks, are not properly removed, and are sprayed aerially, they can readily pollute the air, land, and water. You can read more about the Regulatory Impact Statement Proposed Pesticides Regulation of 2009 here.

What impact do pesticides have on urban areas in our country?

Water

Ground water, streams, rain, rivers, lakes, and seas all contain pesticides.

Pesticides can enter the water in four different ways. It has the potential to drift outside of the spraying area, seep through the soil, be transported as runoff, or be spilled accidently. read more

Pest Control Licencing Australia

Pest Managmemt License Information

A pest control licence is required for any individual or group intending to administer pest management services. Pest management technicians are professionals who undertake various pest management activities and treatments as well as fumigations. The treatment is aimed to ward off or destroy any plant, animal or other biological entities that are harmful to an ecosystem, place or different types of structures. Below is an analysis of the requirements of obtaining a pest control license in Australia.

Western Australia

Only skilled applicants can receive permissions and licences from the Western Australia government. Upon completion of the mandatory training competencies, the applicant may then contact the Western Australian department of health (pesticide safety) for application documents. The department also recognises competencies and certificates obtained from other states.

Licenses available

Full technicians licence: issued once all course requirements are satisfied. The full technician’s licence allows the recipient to offer general pest management (including fumigation), timber pest (termite) control services

Provisional technician licence: holders of this licence must work under a full technician`s supervision for a full month (30 days). During this period, the holders must fill a log book within the period to be submitted to the Pesticide Safety department.

Salespersons licence: All salespeople must possess the S.P (sales persons) licence. Holders of the licence are restricted from handling, mixing or applying the pesticides.

Requirements for licence

Complete the various application forms and pay the fees.

For businesses conducted in residential property, you must contact the local government to obtain an approval letter to be submitted to the Health department

Clear display of your organization`s name, initials and registration number on business vehicles.

Learn more from the West Australian Health Department.

Queensland

The Queensland Department of Health, through its Environmental health section, issues the pest control licences. read more