That is a valid question. If we’re talking about DIY, you probably know what the quick and simple answer is going to be. A resounding no. That is unless, of course, you absolutely know what you’re doing.
However, even then, there are no guarantees.
Professional UK pest control businesses, however, work with rules and regulations. They were created by the government to ensure maximum safety.
Moreover, it’s not always necessary to use chemical solutions to control pests. Many companies offer green methods as an alternative, wherever possible, which is great news for you and your plants.
Read on to learn more about this in detail.
Pest Control Solutions & Application
Even if you weren’t good at chemistry, you know that pesticides are made of chemicals. If they end up directly onto the plants or into the soil, they will harm or even kill your plants.
That’s where the matter of correct application comes in. Pest control solutions need to be administered properly. That’s in order for them to be effective and safe.
Sure, the DIY approach here can be effective against pests. However, if you don’t do it right, there are big chances you’ll also harm your plants. Moreover, if you have a butterfly garden, then the chemicals might also harm them and other beneficial pollinators.
Some of the most frequently used chemicals also have side effects. They will get the pests, sure, but they’ll also kill off other beneficial insects as well, like ants and bees. And if you have kids or pets running around your backyard, you might want to think things through first.
Moreover, pesticides are something of an umbrella term. There are many products specific to the targeted pest group.
One of them are the insecticides, which are probably the most well known. However, there are also rodenticides, designed to eliminate rodents, and fungicides, which are dealing with, you guessed it, fungi, and etc.
Can some of them be dangerous to plants? Absolutely, especially if you use over-the-counter pesticides. That’s why proper application is simply a must.
Conversely, pest control experts know where to apply the solution and how much of it to use. That will protect your beautiful plants as well as get rid of your pest problem.
Alternatively, green pest management techniques. That will eliminate the need for chemical pest control solutions and save you the trouble of worrying about your garden.
The Location Matters Too
When you’re trying to determine whether the pest control solutions are going to be harmful to your plants, the best way is to ask the professionals. Whether they be expert gardeners or pest control pros, it always pays off to learn from their expertise and experience.
Naturally, if any chemicals are used to treat the inside of your place, you would want to remove the plants from there first. As most plants are in containers, that shouldn’t be too hard. Place them in your garage or at your neighbour’s place if the weather’s too cold outside.
If the infestation is in your yard, and you have a garden there, the best course of action is to call professional pest removal services or use natural means whenever possible.
Sure, gardeners know how to deal with most pests, but sometimes, when the issue is more serious, it always pays off to rely on professionals instead.
Remember that soil health plays the most important factor for plants. Even if you use DIY methods, the wind or the rain can cause the spreading of the chemicals to where your plants are and harm them.
You must be aware of the risks when working with chemical pest control solutions.
The Type Of Pest Infestation Is Important
There are different types of invasive species that could plague your home. And, thus, there exist multiple of ways to ward them off or deal with them.
Lately, pest companies are shifting towards more eco-conscious approaches. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is one such method. Some even offer green pest control as their main service, while others include it as an alternative to traditional methods.
Naturally, when we’re talking about plants, the green method is preferable. However, that is not always possible.
With certain insects, such as bed bugs, heat treatment is preferable to chemicals, as they’re resistant to most of them. That’s very good news for indoor plants.
However, if you’re plagued by mosquitoes, you might need to do things a tad differently.
Especially if you have lots of standing water around the property, or you collect lots of rainwater. Those are the exact places where the pesky bloodsuckers love to lay their eggs and where chemical treatment will work.
The good news is that professional pest control companies have standards. Most of them, that is the reliable ones, at least, employ green pest management and tactics wherever possible.
In cases where that will be ineffective, the professionals will analyse the situation first and then apply the chemicals correctly to protect vital things such as plants and gardens.
Signs of Pest Control Solution Damage on Plants
While it’s pretty uncommon for this to occur, the risk is always there. The first thing you need to do is to recognise this possibility.
Here are the signs:
- You notice that seedlings begin to die;
- Leaves have specks or flecks, even dead spots;
- You observe an improper germination process;
- Stunted or delayed plant growth occurs;
- Leaves begin to fall off from the plant;
- The plant starts to die.
Next comes the issue of using bug sprays as a DIY pest control method. Don’t. Even if the label says, it’s safe for plants and non-toxic. In plenty of cases, that will cause damage to your plant, and it might start dying.
As explained above, use natural means to ward off pests and ensure the life of your greens.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! The complete and unfiltered truth about pest control solutions and the effect they have on your plants.
Pest control solutions are effective against those for which they were created. However, the unintended consequences come from their improper use. So, if you’re a novice or unsure of how to apply pesticides correctly, leave it to a reliable local pest control company.
Especially when it comes to the exterior of your home. After all, protecting your soil’s health is the number one thing that can ensure healthy and strong plants. Ultimately, gambling with that is unwise, and looking for some reliable help is the best course of action.
That’s it!
We wish you plenty of success on that front and happy, pest-free gardening!
