Lots of hand labor. There are some natural alternatives available, particularly for the home gardener, but they typically are not as effective and will not eliminate the need for hand labor.
Read books or magazines on Organic Gardening for more detailed alternatives.
There are many alternatives to pesticides that are naturally occurring or man made. Examples of alternatives to pesticides include; beneficial insects, wood ash, diatomaceous earth, and soap sprays.
Some biological alternatives to chemical pesticides include introducing natural predators or parasites to control pest populations, using insecticidal soaps or oils derived from plants, and planting trap crops to attract pests away from main crops. Crop rotation and intercropping with pest-repellent plants can also help reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Common pesticides used to kill insect pests include organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids. These pesticides work by disrupting the nervous system of insects, leading to paralysis and eventual death. Organic options like neem oil and insecticidal soaps are also used as alternatives to synthetic pesticides.
In the 1960s, the publication of Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring" brought widespread awareness to the dangers of pesticides on human health and the environment. The book highlighted the negative impact of pesticides on wildlife and ecosystems, sparking a global conversation on the need for pesticide regulation and alternatives.
There really are not less harmful pesticides. They are all harmful. However, vinegar is supposed to keep some pests away. There are also companies that are working on genetically modifying plants to keep bugs away or make them immune from diseases.
Pesticides can contribute to air pollution when they evaporate or drift from application sites. This can lead to the presence of harmful chemicals in the air, impacting air quality and potentially causing health risks to humans and other organisms. Measures such as using less toxic alternatives, applying pesticides under proper conditions, and following regulations can help minimize these effects.
Biopesticides are natural substances derived from living organisms, such as plants, bacteria, fungi, or insects, used to control pests or diseases in agriculture. They are considered environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides, as they have minimal impact on non-target organisms and are often biodegradable. Examples include neem oil, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), and parasitic wasps.
Farmers use a variety of pesticides on vegetables, including herbicides to control weeds, insecticides to manage pests, and fungicides to prevent fungal diseases. Commonly used pesticides include glyphosate, chlorpyrifos, and imidacloprid. Organic farmers may opt for natural alternatives like neem oil or insecticidal soap. The choice of pesticide depends on the specific crop, pest pressures, and regulatory guidelines.
Bio Pesticides EPA definition: Biopesticides include naturally occurring substances that control pests (biochemical pesticides), microorganisms that control pests (microbial pesticides), and pesticidal substances produced by plants containing added genetic material (plant-incorporated protectants) or PIPs. Basically a Bio Pesticide is anything designed to kill pests that is made out of microorganisms or derived from microoganisms.
Not as big an issue nowadays as it used to be. Most the ones that are/were known carcinogens have gone away or more eco freindly/environmentally friendly alternatives are being used instead.
There are many alternatives for termite control that don't involve the use of chemicals. You can try adding organic material to the soil since termites prefer to inhabit soils that are low in organic matter. Encouraging the higher populations of natural termite predators such as spiders, bees, and ants is another approach.
pesticides kill insects. Pesticides contain carcinogenic ingredients. Pesticides have warning lables that say not to inhale them or make contact with their skin. You do the math.