What effect do chemical pesticides have on animals?

Insects and bugs are as regular in our everyday lives as the sun and the moon. It’s almost a sure bet that no matter where you live, an insect or a bug is in your house at this very moment. There’s no stopping them from getting into our homes, they were here first and they will probably be here long after us. But as consumers are continuing to learn more and more about the different health and hazardous issues that insects can bring, more are attempting to find ways to limit their contact. One way that consumers attempt to control insect and bug infestations in and around their home is by spraying chemicals. Mark Ruben has been working for Nature’s Best Pest Management for 16 years. The company started in 1978, and they have specialized in organic pest control for the past seven years. Ruben is a strong believer in choosing organic and natural pesticides because of the possible dangers associated with chemical pesticides. There’s not just the danger of yourself and your family being exposed to a chemical to be considered, but what might happen if the family pet is exposed as well. Most times, he says, consumers forget that a pet can transfer harmful chemicals as well. “If you spray chemicals on your grass, what happens?” he asks. “Your dog walks on the grass and comes back inside. His feet start getting a little tingly so he starts licking himself. I do not know about you, but my dog kisses me all the time. There are also the animals that get on people’s beds or lay on the carpet with the children. It is like cross contamination.” Not to be misunderstood, Ruben is by no means saying that having your lawn treated with pesticides and then letting your pet walk on the grass could cause immediate harm. But, he did mention that after a lengthy period of time, a continuous happening of these events could result in some health problems down the road. “This contamination would be in a small amount and not toxic,” he explains. “However, the years build up. These chemicals can build up in the lymph nodes, kidneys, and liver. It becomes harder and harder for you to break the chemicals out of your body.” The best and most logical way to avoid any type of cross contamination from your pet, or any contamination to your pet to begin with, would be to be sure to keep the pet away from the treated area. Experts advise consumers who choose to apply their own pesticides to be sure they adhere to the warnings and time restraints on the label. Contacting the company for clarification on any such issue is also recommended. While chemical treatment of your home is the first thing that most consumers think to do to get rid of insects and bugs, Ruben and other experts agree that controlling the pest problem by using organic pest control techniques is the best option. Organic and natural pest control options will limit the amount of chemicals your pet and family will have to deal with as a whole.