Pesticide Alternatives | Grasslands Colorado

The problem with pesticides:

Many store-bought pesticides can damage DNA, causing cellular stress and long-term harm. Even products labeled "environmentally friendly" often contain toxic chemicals. The safest approach is to avoid pesticides altogether and use natural methods that protect wildlife and the environment.

Human Health Risks:

Toxicity: Many pesticides contain chemicals that can be harmful to humans, especially those that are chemically related to nerve agents.
Acute Exposure: Short-term exposure can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, nausea, and even neurological effects.
Long-Term Effects: Prolonged exposure has been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, and developmental disorders.

Environmental Impact:

Water Contamination: Pesticides can seep into groundwater and contaminate drinking water sources.
Soil Degradation: Overuse can reduce soil fertility and disrupt microbial ecosystems essential for plant health.
Persistence in Ecosystems: Many rodenticides remain active for long periods, affecting biodiversity.

Harm to Non-Target Species Including Hawks, Foxes, Bees and Worms:

Rodenticide Secondary Poisoning & Death: Predators like hawks, owls, and foxes can ingest poisoned rodents, leading to fatal exposure. Rodenticides are designed to eliminate rodents, but their toxic effects extend far beyond their intended targets. These chemicals can harm pets, wildlife, and even humans through accidental exposure. Many rodenticides work by preventing blood clotting, leading to internal bleeding, while others cause neurological damage or organ failure. If you use them inside your house, the rodent will leave to find water and die in an area where foxes, hawks, eagles and coyotes will eat them. They will become sick and many die. This poison continues long after the death of the mouse, it continues up the food chain.

download our pesticide infographic

download our rodenticide infographic

Herbicides and Insecticides destroy good insects and animals: These creatures help break down organic matter and control pests, but pesticides harm them and disrupt their metabolism. Earthworms avoid soil with glyphosate, and their feeding activity drops, affecting soil health. Mice and rodents eat diseased insects and secondary exposure goes up the food web.
Rodenticide Causes Mange in our Wildlife: These poisons weaken the immune systems of predators like bobcats, coyotes, and foxes, making them more vulnerable to mange, a disease caused by skin mites. Studies have found that nearly 100% of bobcats with mange had rodenticides in their system. The toxins disrupt immune function, leading to severe hair loss, skin infections, and even death.

Agricultural & Ecological Concerns:

Pesticide Resistance: Over time, pests can develop resistance, leading to stronger and more toxic chemicals being needed.
Loss of Biodiversity: The widespread use of pesticides can reduce biodiversity by eliminating essential organisms in ecosystems.
Food Chain Contamination: Residues can remain on crops and enter the food chain, affecting both humans and animals.

Herbicides, insecticides and rodenticides to avoid:

Pesticides are classified into different categories based on their target organisms. Here are some common types you should avoid (and ask your pest control company exactly what chemical they are using – many will say they are ‘eco-friendly’ but they really arent’)

Highly Toxic & Persistent Pesticides:

Organochlorines (e.g., DDT, Aldrin, Chlordane): These are highly persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in wildlife, leading to long-term ecological damage.
Organophosphates (e.g., Chlorpyrifos, Malathion, Parathion): Known for their toxicity to beneficial insects, birds, and aquatic life.
Carbaryl is an insecticide that can negatively impact non-target organisms and has been linked to environmental concerns.

If you want to learn more about all the ways Pesticides affect our health and ecosystem, here’s a great in-depth website you can check out.

Neonicotinoids (e.g., Imidacloprid, Thiamethoxam): Harmful to pollinators like bees and have been linked to colony collapse disorder.
Rodenticides (e.g., Bromadiolone, Warfarin): Can poison non-target wildlife, including birds and mammals that consume affected rodents.

Herbicides with Environmental Concerns:

Glyphosate (e.g., Roundup): Controversial due to its potential impact on soil health and aquatic ecosystems.
Atrazine: Can contaminate water sources and disrupt aquatic ecosystems.
Paraquat: Highly toxic and can persist in soil, affecting microbial communities.
2,4-D: A widely used herbicide that has raised concerns due to its potential effects on ecosystems and water contamination

Fungicides & Other Harmful Chemicals:

Copper-based fungicides: Can accumulate in soil and water, harming aquatic life.
Methyl Bromide: A fumigant that depletes the ozone layer and poses health risks.

Dangerous & Cruel Rodenticides:

Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs)

These rodenticides prevent blood clotting and can accumulate in the food chain, harming predators that consume poisoned rodents.

Brodifacoum: Highly toxic and persistent in the environment.
Bromadiolone: Can poison non-target species like birds and mammals.
Difethialone: Long-lasting and dangerous to wildlife.
Difenacoum: Can cause secondary poisoning in predators.

First-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (FGARs)

These require multiple doses to be lethal but still pose risks to non-target species.

Warfarin: Can harm wildlife and contaminate water sources.
Chlorophacinone: Toxic to birds and mammals.
Diphacinone: Can persist in the environment and affect predators.

Acute Toxic Rodenticides

These require multiple doses to be lethal but still pose risks to non-target species.

Zinc Phosphide: Highly toxic and can harm scavengers.
Strychnine: Banned in many places due to extreme toxicity.
Bromethalin: Causes neurological damage and is lethal to pets and wildlife.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Insecticides & Herbicides

Pesticides have long been used to manage pests in agriculture and home gardening, but their environmental and health risks have led to a growing interest in natural and sustainable alternatives. These alternatives aim to control pests while minimizing harm to beneficial organisms, soil health, and water sources.

To deep-dive into more alternatives and other creative ways to deal with pests, click here.

Biological Pest Control for Insects

Biological control involves using natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to manage pest populations. Some effective methods include:

Beneficial Insects: Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps help control aphids, caterpillars, and other pests.
Nematodes: Microscopic worms that target soil-dwelling pests like grubs and root-knot nematodes.
Microbial Pesticides: Bacteria like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) produce toxins that specifically target insect larvae without harming beneficial species.

Natural Predators for Rodents

Encouraging natural predators is one of the most effective ways to control rodent populations:

Owls & Hawks: Installing owl boxes can attract barn owls, which naturally hunt rodents.
Cats & Dogs: Some breeds are excellent at keeping rodent populations in check.
Snakes: Non-venomous snakes help control rodent populations in outdoor spaces.

Companion Planting

Certain plants naturally repel pests or attract beneficial insects. Examples include:

Marigolds – Repel nematodes and aphids.
Basil – Deters flies and mosquitoes.
Nasturtiums – Protect against aphids and whiteflies.
Dill & Fennel – Attract predatory insects that feed on pests.
Tomatoes – Basil (repels pests), Marigolds (deters nematodes), Carrots (help aerate soil)
Carrots – Chives (repel carrot flies), Lettuce (provides shade), Leeks (protect against pests)
Cucumbers – Nasturtiums (repel aphids), Radishes (deter cucumber beetles), Beans (fix nitrogen)
Peppers – Basil (enhances flavor), Onions (repel pests), Spinach (provides ground cover)
Corn – Beans (fix nitrogen), Squash (acts as living mulch), Sunflowers (provide support)
Potatoes – Horseradish (repels pests), Beans (improve soil), Marigolds (deter nematodes)
Lettuce – Mint (repels aphids), Chives (protect against pests), Strawberries (mutual benefits)
Broccoli – Dill (attracts beneficial insects), Celery (repels pests), Nasturtiums (trap aphids)
Zucchini – Nasturtiums (repel squash bugs), Radishes (deter pests), Oregano (enhances growth)

Natural Sprays & DIY Solutions

Homemade sprays can be effective in controlling pests without harmful chemicals:

Garlic Spray – Mix crushed garlic cloves with water and let it sit for 24 hours before straining and applying.
Neem Oil Solution – Neem oil disrupts insect growth and reproduction.
Soap Spray – A simple mix of mild liquid soap and water can suffocate soft-bodied insects like aphids.

Ingredients:
1 gallon of white vinegar (higher concentrations more effective)
1 tablespoon of dish soap (helps the vinegar stick to the weeds)
1 cup of salt (optional, but enhances effectiveness)
Instructions:
Mix the vinegar, dish soap, and salt in a spray bottle or garden
sprayer. Shake well to ensure the ingredients are combined. Apply
directly to weeds on a sunny day for best results. Avoid spraying
desirable plants, as this mixture can harm. Safe for pets & kids.

Physical Barriers & Traps for Plants

Preventing pests from reaching plants is an effective strategy:

Row Covers – Lightweight fabric that protects plants from flying insects while allowing sunlight and water through.
Copper Tape – Creates a barrier that slugs and snails won’t cross.

Traps for Rodents

Using non-toxic traps allows for rodent control without harming other wildlife:

Live Traps – Capture rodents humanely and release them away from homes. An excellent one is on Amazon
Snap Traps – A quick and effective method that avoids secondary poisoning.
Electronic Traps – Deliver a humane, instant kill without chemicals.
Do NOT use Glue pads – these glue pads cause enormous pain and suffering and other animals such as bats get stuck on them. They are banned in most countries.

Keeping Pests from Your House

Preventing rodents from entering homes and buildings is key:

Seal Entry Points – Close gaps in walls, foundations, and around pipes.
Steel Wool & Mesh – Block small openings rodents might squeeze through.
Ultrasonic Repellents – Devices that emit high-frequency sounds to deter rodents.
Sanitation – Keep food sources sealed and eliminate clutter.
Habitat Modification – Remove dense vegetation and debris where rodents nest.
Proper Waste Management – Secure trash bins and compost piles.

Soil & Cultural Practices

Healthy soil and proper gardening techniques can naturally deter pests:

Crop Rotation – Prevents pest buildup by changing plant locations each season.
Mulching – Reduces weed competition and creates barriers for soil-dwelling pests.

Essential Oils & Natural Repellents for Insects and Rodents

Certain essential oils have insect and rodent repelling properties:

Peppermint Oil – Deters ants and spiders, strong scent disrupts rodent navigation.
Cinnamon Oil – Prevents fungal infections.
Eucalyptus Oil – Repels mosquitoes and flies.
Cayenne Pepper & Garlic – Sprinkling these around entry points can deter rodents.
Vinegar & Ammonia – Strong odors that discourage rodent activity.
Botanical-Based Repellents – Made from plant extracts that deter rodents.
Non-Toxic Baits – Encourage rodents to leave without harming them.

Natural pest control requires a holistic approach, combining multiple strategies for long-term success. While it may take more planning than chemical solutions, these methods create a sustainable, healthy ecosystem that becomes increasingly resilient over time.