Natural vs Synthetic Pesticides: What’s the REAL difference?

 

There’s no avoiding the fact we are all exposed to far more toxic chemicals than our bodies are equipped to handle. Whether these chemicals come from the natural world, or are created in a laboratory, is one factor that we can control. But what’s the difference? When it comes to fending off pesky bugs, does it matter whether you use natural or synthetic pesticides in your garden? As it turns out, it makes all the difference in the world in regards to your health and the health of the planet.

What are Natural and Synthetic Pesticides?

Natural pesticides are formed in nature. They exist in plants and animals as an evolutionary tactic to keep away predators. For example, the natural world knows to give brightly colored poison dart frogs plenty of space because of their deadly toxins.

In contrast, synthetic pesticides are made by humans in the lab. They haven’t evolved in the natural world and are typically designed to target a specific type of pest, rather than simply trying to keep them all away. This makes them more potent than natural pesticides and more likely to build up toxins in the environment.

The Dangers of Powerful Synthetic Pesticides

When used correctly, both natural and synthetic pesticides keep gardens productive and free from damaging insects. However, there are some real concerns with how all types of pesticides are used today.

While it would be easy to believe that all synthetic chemicals are bad and natural ones are good, the truth is more nuanced. Concentrated levels of any kind of pesticide in the ecosystem can spell trouble. For example, excess levels can enter the water system and impact the reproductive systems of fish and amphibians to alarming levels, and there’s little telling what the long term impacts on humans could be.  

“Natural” Isn’t Always Better- But it Usually Is

Many chemists will tell you that there is no difference between natural and synthetic pesticides, and that the effect they have means it makes no difference where they came from. Though too much of any pesticide can cause problems, the truth is that natural sources tend to be the best way to go for both the health of the environment and the health of your body.

As it turns out, there are many natural pesticides in the world that are simply healthier to be around than synthetic ones. They are less likely to build up in the environment, and natural biological systems like decomposition tend to do a better job of breaking them down. As an added benefit, natural-based pesticides won’t cause insects to develop resistance as fast as synthetic ones, meaning that they will be effective for far longer.

Top Natural Insecticides You Can Count On

When looked at from a case by case basis, some pesticides are simply better for your body to be exposed to than others. The three natural pesticides below have been thoroughly tested by scientists and have been found to be some of the best possible forms that you can use to keep insects in check while also keeping both your body and the environment as healthy as possible.

Neem Oil: As an oil that is extracted from the nut of the neem tree, neem oil has long been used in traditional medicine. It makes an effective pesticide because it stops insects from eating crops and has extremely low levels of toxicity to mammals, making it safe for you to use.

Cedar Oil: Cedar oil comes from distilling oil from the wood and needles of the cedar tree. It has a wide range of benefits, including the ability to keep insects out of your garden. To use this oil, you can simply buy a cedar-oil based insecticide and spray small amounts where you are having problems. Cedar oil is toxic to many insects and the pungent odor of the oil is usually enough to keep bugs away.

Tobacco: Though it’s bad for your lungs, tobacco actually has a lot of benefits when it comes to stopping pests. Simply mix it into your soil and you’ll kill root damaging worms, fungus gnats, centipedes and more. So long as you stay away from the substance yourself, it can do wonders for the health of your plants!

Choosing the right kind of pesticide can be a tricky issue. Though some pesticides are worse for the environment than others, your smartest option is to stick with all natural pesticides that have been proven through extensive testing to be safe to use for both you and the environment.

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