[ Pesticides kill pollinators which can devastate the ecosystem. Photo by Zenera on Flickr ]

Commercial pesticides are commonly used by home and business owners to eliminate weeds, kill insects, and prevent fungal growth. However, the dangers of pesticides outweigh their benefits; the toxic chemicals that prevent some issues can also do a significant amount of damage to our health and the environment. If you use chemical pesticides in your lawn care, here are a few convincing reasons why it’s better to switch to organic solutions.

5 Dangers of Using Pesticides for Lawn Care

1. Harms Human Health

Skin contact and inhalation can expose humans to high amounts of toxic chemicals that are associated with a wide range of serious medical conditions. Research shows that various types of pesticides are linked to a higher risk of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, kidney failure, developmental problems in children, and more.

2. Pollutes Water Supplies

Whenever it rains or the sprinklers are on, the excess water washes away the chemicals in pesticides. As the runoff drains into the sewer system, it can contaminate local water supplies. As pesticide runoff seeps into the soil, it can also contaminate groundwater and make well water supplies toxic.

3. Contaminates Food  

If you keep a garden in your yard, using pesticides could introduce a dangerous amount of chemicals into your produce. According to the Center for Ecogenetics & Environmental Health, pesticide residue in food can lead to a variety of health problems and possibly poisoning. Unfortunately, this risk isn’t eliminated if you wash or peel your fruits and vegetables because the produce absorbs the chemicals through the roots.

4. Kills Pollinators

While pesticides can kill unwanted bugs, they are also known to harm insects that help plant life thrive. Most notably, the EPA recognizes pesticides as a potential cause of colony collapse disorder—a global phenomenon in which wild bee populations drop significantly. Without an appropriate number of bees, a significant portion of flowering plants can’t be pollinated, which is a problem that can devastate the ecosystem.

5. Threatens Pet Health

When four-legged friends roam treated lawns or munch on grass and other vegetation, they can be exposed to the toxic components found in pesticides. Similar to humans, this exposure can contribute to a wide variety of health problems in pets. However, since animals are much smaller, the effects of the chemicals can be more severe. In some cases, pesticide poisoning can be fatal to pets.

Avoiding the dangers of chemical pesticides doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the quality of your lawn. With help from Organic Bob, you can treat your yard to organic lawn care solutions that are not only safe, but also effective. Possessing more than three decades of experience, this service is equipped to provide everything from eco-friendly lawn care supplies to regularly schedule lawn treatment. To learn how we can help you create a healthier and more beautiful landscape, contact us to set up FREE lawn assessment.