The History of Chemical Pest Control vs. Supporting a Healthier Lifestyle Today
The Connection Between War & Pesticides
Pest control and human housing and health regulations date back many centuries. Rats and insects have been a problem since the beginning of stored food and water, creating a need for standards and contamination prevention options. Different chemicals and plant derivatives were utilized throughout the years to help combat the pests and keep people safe. Simultaneously, regulations for water and food safety arose due to concerns for water source pollution.
During World War I, the chemicals used to kill insects in farming were utilized by the military, creating a deficit in the farming and agriculture industry. Despite this deficit, explosives and nerve gas made from chemicals developed during World War I in warfare lead to the evolution of new insecticides as byproducts. Scientists realized that they had new options for pest control. Their discoveries were brought over for farming and agriculture, to fight the war against roaches, flies and rodents – three pests that carry a lot of bacteria, germs, and disease.
Entomologists and scientists continued to develop new formulas as years after the war passed. During World War II, enemies of the US were illustrated as pests or something to be exterminated. This ruthless depiction of the American enemies as non-human animals who were in need of extermination combined with new developments in pest extermination fueled comparisons and media coverage.
Interest grew and entomologists began to wage war against insects. During that time, towards the end of the war, DDT was released for civilian use, but it was highly detrimental to certain animals, specifically birds. It was used highly in WWII to control malaria and typhus outbreaks caused mainly by mosquitos and stinging insects. Unfortunately, it was extremely powerful and also quite toxic. Eventually, a worldwide ban on DDT was issued.
Pesticides & Human Illness Today: The War on Germs & the Promise of Organic Pest Control
The current virus outbreak and continued scare as it spreads, along with past years of disease, create a need for a pesticide as well as disease prevention that will be safe for humans while eradicating pests. Many pest controls and anti-bacteria products contain harsh chemical combinations, often using similar ingredients.
The number one misused chemical is chlorine, which acts much like bleach, and we swim in it! With this in mind, a pesticide used to eradicate pests who carry germs may share commonalities with something humans can use to protect themselves against the germs themselves. Chemical pesticides are often dangerous for human contact, but there are natural alternatives.
Alternative antibacterial options include mixing essential oils with aloe vera, rubbing alcohol and other store-bought ingredients. Essential oils that can be used to fight bacteria and cleanse the skin include tea tree oil, rosemary oil, citrus oil blends, and peppermint oil. Essential oils are stronger than we often give them credit for. They can fight off bacteria and germs with a potency that rivals many man-made chemicals. In fact, they can even pull the chemicals out of plastics, which is why they should be stored in a glass as much as possible.
The No Bugs pest control team utilizes rosemary and peppermint oils in our Mint X+ organic pest control formula to guard your home against pests. This same combination can help you fight off illness! When your local grocery store runs out of hand sanitizer and you are worried about germs, consider looking into making your own. It’s easy, effective, and will smell great!
Want more pest control tips for your Santa Clarita property? Check out our blogs on winter pest control, pest proofing your panty, and Spring Cleaning the three hot spots in your home.
Want to learn more about the safety and efficacy of more organic pest control? Contact the Santa Clarita pest control experts at No Bugs today!