Pesticides have been used for many years to rid our houses and gardens of unwanted pests. By their very nature pesticides contain toxins, which can damage humans as well as insects. Residues can travel through the air, or on shoes and clothing into the house where they can be absorbed by humans. They can also remain on fruit and vegetables and be directly eaten.

A Selection of Dangerous Pesticides

DDT

Has been banned since 1984 in the UK, but nearly every human and animal in the world contains traces of it through the side-product DDE. DDT is associated with problems of the nervous system, possible links to breast cancer, and miscarrages, among other things.

Lindane

Used as an ant killer, lindane is classed as a carcinogen. It was banned in the UK in 2002, but stays in the body long-term and so is probably present in most of us.

Chlorpyrifos

This is a neurotoxin and endocrine disruptor used on fruits including grapes and apples. It is particularly toxic to amphibians. Friends of the Earth have mounted a campaign to ban it.

2, 4-D

This chemical is used in over 100 products, mainly weedkillers. It is a hormone disruptor and is associated with birth defects.

MCPA

Also used in weedkillers, MCPA is linked with malformations of the heart and respiratory system. It is toxic to wildfowl.

There is evidence that some pesticides actually encourage the growth of dangerous bacteria on crops.

Domestic Alternatives

Ants

Trap ants on sticky paper, or bread spread with honey. Pour boiling water on the nest.

Fleas

Feeding pets with vitamin B and garlic is said to reduce the likelihood of fleas (as well as the likelihood of you wanting to kiss your pet).

Garden Pests

There is evidence that regular use of pesticides in the garden gradually bulds up the resistence of the pests to the chemical, requiring the use on an even stronger pesticide to deal with the new problem, and so the vicious circle continues.

Commercial Alternatives

GM Foods

GM foods have their own issues, and many would argue they are not an alternative at all.

Crop Rotation

This has been used for centuries both to reduce pests, and to allow the soil to recover.

Predators

Introducing natural predators can reduce pests, but if the predator is not native to the area this can cause problems in itself. In your garden the answer to a greenfly crisis might well be to bring a few ladybirds in.