Pesticides on Floor

^{Baby Crawling on the Floor}

Ever wonder what kind of microscopic harmful toxins could be lurking around your lovely home? Believe it or not, most of us have pesticides on our floors even if we don’t use them. Children that play on heavily sprayed grass can come and trail in little bits at a time. Or possibly a past home owner was pesticide happy and sprayed their gardens, years later trace amounts could have ended up on your floors.

Unfortunately, this was the case when a study was done by the EPA. They surveyed occupants on their pesticide use and other housing factors and what did they find? “Measurable levels of contamination in our homes.” That is undoubtedly not good news at all but there is no need to get super paranoid. As long as you are aware and take action and preventative measures. The pesticide levels were low overall, but the insecticide levels were high enough to be concerned about potential exposure.

Pesticides that were removed from the market several years ago, were found on floors during this study. If pesticides and insecticides are strong enough to withstand harsh weather elements, kill pests, and remain in your home for years…we definitely don’t want our loved ones especially children exposed any kind of poisons.

Here are some tips for keeping pesticides off your floors:

• Take off your shoes before entering the home.
• Don’t use pesticides.
• Steer clear of topical flea medications that contain tetrachlorvinphos and other carbamates.
• Prevent the flow of moisture as this will prevent pests and thus eliminating the need for pesticides.

Pesticides are a big health hazard and are unwelcome in any living environment. We all want pesky bugs to stay away from our gardens and garages so exploring some natural deterrents would be the best way to go. Below is an all natural pesticide remedy made from garlic. Garlic-based pesticides ward off aphids, cabbage loppers, grasshopper, June bugs, leaf hoppers, mite, squash bug, slugs and whiteflies. Garlic also prevents fungus and has antibacterial properties.

To make:
Combine 3 ounces of minced garlic cloves with 1 ounce of mineral oil. Let soak for 24 hours or longer. Strain.
Next mix 1 teaspoon of fish emulsion with 16 ounces of water. Add 1 tablespoon of castile soap to this.
Now slowly combine the fish emulsion water with the garlic oil. Kept in a sealed glass container this mixture will stay viable for several months. To use: Mix 2 tablespoons of garlic oil with 1 pint of water and spray.

Thoughts, Comments, Questions…

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JT (423 Posts)

Just living life in Portland, Oregon and enjoying every day that goes by. I love the environment, and I love community, and I love being able to share my experiences and perspective with the world. Follow @EnvironmentBlog

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