Protect children from pesticide poisoning by using caution before, during, and after application. When possible, explore non-toxic alternatives to pest control.
According to data collected from the American Association of Poison Control Centers, approximately 69,000 children were involved in household pesticide related poisonings or exposures in 2002.
When it comes to pesticide use, responsibility doesn't end by following the safety precautions on the package. Caution must be taken to protect those who may come into contact with the pesticides before, during, and after application. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, almost half of homes with children under 5 years old have at least one pesticide stored within their reach.
Children can be exposed to toxic pesticides by playing in a treated area or by directly consuming the product. Signs of poisoning include lethargy, diarrhea, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Since many of these symptoms are common among sick children, check your child's pupils. Pin-point pupils are a classic symptom of pesticide poisoning. Occasionally, seizures and rapid heart beat are also exhibited.
Part of pesticide safety is being prepared by keeping important numbers, including poison control and your pediatrician, by the telephone. If you suspect that your child has been exposed to pesticides, call your local poison control center immediately. Don't induce vomiting unless instructed by the professional, as this can cause additional damage. If possible, have the pesticide information available to help the professionals accurately treat your child.
When using pesticides, make sure the area being treated is clear of children, toys, and pets. Read the instructions carefully, as many pesticides have different instructions regarding how long to keep the treated area clear. After application, make sure to clearly label the affected area and warn children about the dangers. It is a good idea to keep the children occupied far away from the treated area so there aren't any accidental exposures. If you need to leave, alert relatives and babysitters to the pesticide application.
After application, store pesticides in an area inaccessible by children""such as a locked cabinet or garden shed. Talk to your children about the dangers of pesticides and label the packages with a warning sign that will be easily recognizable to them. One idea is to have your children design a warning label themselves. This will ensure their comprehension when they see their warning label affixed to the package.
Although botanical pesticides often carry similar risks as their chemical counterparts, there are a variety of non-toxic solutions that can make a difference in pest control without risking your family's health.
By encouraging the habitation of beneficial predators in your lawn or garden, you will be implementing a safe alternative to pesticides. Ladybugs, spiders, and bats feed on the pests that cause damage to your home and garden. Although many people don't enjoy the thought of sharing their yard with spiders and bats, these predatory creatures will help keep your garden beautiful by controlling the population of harmful pests. If these creatures aren't common in your garden, they can be bought and released.
Another option is non-toxic pesticide, such as hot pepper wax or neem. Hot pepper wax kills pests when used in high concentration and actually deters squirrels and rabbits. Neem doesn't kill pests, but stalls their maturation, making them unable to reproduce. Both solutions need to be reapplied regularly.
