Botanical Treatment
Botanicals are Mother Nature’s way of providing pest control. Botanical pesticides are derived from plants (stems, leaves, flowers, and oils or resins) and are considered significantly more circumspect than synthetic insecticides. They’re virtually non-toxic to the environment and only low to moderately toxic to humans, pets, and wildlife.
A Little History
Botanicals have been used for centuries as a natural way to control pests and insects; they were used widely in the U.S. through the 1940s and 1950s until the introduction of synthetic pesticides. Synthetic pesticides were quickly embraced because they were quick-acting and long-lasting.
Unfortunately, no one then realized the long-term effective damage these traits would have on our environment. The very thing that our grandparents and parents liked about them is the very thing that has contributed to the present deterioration of our natural resources.
The Pros and Cons of Botanicals
- Botanicals degrade rapidly from sunlight, air, and moisture. This is both a pro and a con. Breaking down quickly reduces toxicity (pro). However, anything that breaks down quickly has to be reapplied more often. (con)
- Botanicals leave virtually all plant life unharmed. (pro)
- Not all botanicals are made the same. Depending on the manufacturer, batches can vary greatly.
- Botanical treatments should be applied in the morning and early afternoons, 24 hours between waterings. Whether these are pros or cons depends on the individual.
How They Work
Generally, botanicals act as either a contact poison when sprayed on the insect, or as a stomach poison when sprayed plant matter is consumed by the insect.
However, botanicals are also highly effective as a deterrent because of the essentials oils—insects often find these odors offensive and avoid the area (e.g., peppermint, wintergreen, citronella, clove).
What We Use
When we started this company in June 2009, there were only 2 companies that made organic and botanical pest control products. There are now close to a dozen companies.
We research and field test all new products before we offer them to our clients. We will tell you exactly what we use and provide SDS sheets at your request. By law, this information is always available to you!
Caveat
Botanicals are controlled pesticides, and treatments require a trained, licensed pest control operator.
A licensed operator with RIS (Reduced Impact Services) certification, using IPM (Integrated Pest Management) practices, will correctly choose and apply the best treatment for you and your home or office.