Is Pest Control Harmful to My Plants?

Whether you have perennials that have been thriving or years of a houseplant that you baby, you probably suspect that pesticides can be dangerous to your plants. Pesticides and insecticides use substances to kill or deter insects and other pests. These chemicals, which may be fatal to pests, can cause some damage to plants, especially if used improperly. Flick is careful to protect your plants when we plan your pest control plan.

Many Pesticides Can Harm Plants

Some companies may tell you that pesticides are plant safe. While there are some all-natural, plant-safe products that can deter pests, the insecticides that will kill an infestation are more dangerous. Using them on or near a plant can injure those plants, unless you take the proper precautions. So, even if someone has told you that a product is plant-safe, you want to find out more before tackling DIY pest control. Find out active ingredients so you can research whether they are dangerous to your particular plants.

Phytotoxicity

That is important because not all plants are equally susceptible to damage from insecticides. First, you have to look at the phytotoxicity of the insecticide. That refers to the pesticide’s potential to damage plants. Next, you have to look at the type of plant. Woody plants tolerate insecticides fairly well, though you may notice damage on new growth. In contrast, herbaceous plants are easily damaged by insecticides.

Plant-Safe Applications

Before we apply insecticides to your home or yard, we thoroughly inspect the premises. We look at what type of plants you have, their location, and whether we can avoid them. That helps us determine the correct insecticides to use and to keep pesticides off of your plants.

In some instances, you may need a specific treatment that could cause potential damage to your plants. For example, you may have an area that is infested with a particular pest that only responds to certain pesticides. If that was the case, then we take steps to try to protect your plants.

Signs of Damage

If you think a pesticide has poisoned your plant, you want to look for signs. First, new growth is more vulnerable than older growth. You may notice discolored, curled, or burned leaves. Your plant might also lose leaves. Plant growth can be stunted or otherwise abnormal. In worst case scenarios, the plants may even die.

Of course, if you are worried about outdoor plants, you also have to consider pollinators. Most insecticides are going to target pollinators as well as other types of insects. If you are concerned about pollinators in your garden, we can concentrate on the perimeter of your home instead of treating the entire yard.

To get more information, contact us at Flick. We can develop a pest treatment program that is safe for you and your plants.