Hazardous Household Products and Pesticides

The term "hazardous" encompasses materials that are toxic, flammable, volatile, corrosive, or those that could react with other substances to create hazardous materials. Many products that are commonly used in and around the home have such properties and are potentially harmful to people and the environment. The list of potentially hazardous household products includes (but is not limited to) oven cleaners, floor wax, furniture polish, drain cleaners and spot cleaners are examples.

Cleaning Alternatives

The use of commercial cleaning products can be costly, not only in terms of health and environmental consequences, but also in terms of money. Luckily, there are common alternatives that are far less costly all the way around!

To Clean: Commercial Alternative

Carpets To remove stains promptly dab with a solution of white vinegar and water;
For odors and grease, mix 2 parts corn meal with 1 part borax, sprinkle, leave one hour and vacuum.
Drains Plunger, flush with boiling water, then ¼ cup baking soda & 2 oz. white vinegar and flush with boiling water again.
Toilets Toilet brush and baking soda; mild detergent.
Greasy Hands Rub with baby oil, wash with soap.
Furniture 1 part lemon juice, 2 parts olive or vegetable oil.
Glass Surfaces Use 3 Tablespoons of white vinegar with 1 quart warm water.

Cleaning Substance: Commercial Alternative
Ammonia-based cleaner Mix white vinegar, salt & water for surfaces;
Mix baking soda & water for the bathroom.
Abrasive Cleaner Rub area with ½ lemon dipped in borax. Rinse clean.
Fabric Softener Add baking soda to final rinse.
Bleach Substitute Use ½ cup white vinegar or baking soda or borax.
Disinfectant Add ½ cup borax to 1 gallon of water.
Flea Repellant Brewer's yeast (added to pet food).
Room Deodorizer Potpourri, candles, cedar shavings.

Pest Relief Alternatives

Synthetic pesticides are a powerful tool in pest control. They are commonly used to kill insects, rodents, weeds, fungi and bacteria. Although proponents of this form of pest relief believe that it protects human and plant health, widespread improper use of chemical pesticides has resulted in just the opposite effect.
As with household cleaning products, there are a number of alternative methods that can be used to minimize or eliminate pests. Each method can be categorized as either Biological, Physical, or Cultural Pest Control.

Biological Pest Control

Biological Pest Control is a method by which insects, plants, or certain kinds of bacteria are used to control unwanted insects.
Unwanted insect populations can be controlled by attracting predatory insect species to your lawn or garden. These "good" insects may include:
• Ladybugs
• Lacewings
• Dark ground beetles
• Soldier beetles
• Praying mantis
• Predaceous stink bugs
• Assassin bugs
• Lightning bug larvae
Bacteria can also help to eliminate pests. Milky spore is a natural bacteria that kills the Japanese beetle in its grub stage. The spores of the bacteria remain in the soil and can prevent further infestation for years.
Some kinds of plants are unattractive to pests. These plants can be interspersed throughout your garden to deter unwanted insects and rodents.
Plants Pests They Deter
Mint ants, aphids, cabbage worms
Rosemary cabbage worms, slugs
Garlic aphids, beetles, spider mites, borers
Onion beetles, mice, spider mites, borers
Marigold beetles, nematodes, squash bug, thrips, tomato, hornworm, whitefly
Nasturtium potato bugs, squash bug, whitefly

Physical Pest Control

Physical Pest Control involves using mechanical devices, insect barriers and other removal techniques for pest insect elimination. These methods may include:
• Spraying plants with a hose to drown or dislodge insects
• Hand collecting and destroying insects and insect eggs
• Setting out traps and tree bands
• Placing screen over plants
• Wrapping aluminum foil around plant bases
• Pruning dead and diseased areas of plants
Cultural Pest Control

Cultural Pest Control makes use of pest and disease resistant plants and trees, along with nature's timing. Some examples of this type of control are:
• Selection of native species that are best adapted to their environments.
• Pruning and mulching to maintain healthy plants.
• Alternating the location of vegetable beds to prevent species-specific infestations.
• Keeping old sacks, baskets, and decaying vegetables away from the garden to prevent transfer and infestation of insects.
• Timing planting to avoid peak insect infestation periods. (i.e. Plant squash as late as possible to avoid the infestation of squash vine borer, which lay eggs in July).
• Record periods of insect attacks. This will help you be aware of when you need to be most vigilant.

Responsible Use of Chemical Pesticides

Unfortunately not all pesticides cannot be easily replaced by less harsh alternatives. If you do chose to use pesticides there are a number of important points to remember.

1. Get information on pest control from a reliable source, such as your local County Extension Office. They are there to help you!
2. Identify insects before eliminating them. Some insect species are desirable.
3. Apply only to infected plants.
4. Never mix pesticides near a well or water source.
5. Never mix more pesticides than you need.
6. Watch the weather reports and avoid applying pesticides before a heavy rain.
7. Do not spray pesticides on a day with wind speeds greater than 7 mph.
8. Do not apply pesticides near your pond, lake, or stream.
9. Choose the appropriate pesticide for the job: target the right pest.
10. Read all instructions carefully before using any pesticide.
11. Never pour leftover pesticides down sinks, storm drains, or sewers.

Proper Chemical Disposal

Some potentially toxic substances simply cannot be avoided. It is important that you know the appropriate disposal methods for those leftover or unwanted paints, motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, and other chemical substances. Here are some suggestions:
• Motor oil and antifreeze can be taken to a used oil collection site.
• House paints can be donated to community programs, such as Habitat for Humanity.
• Household hazardous wastes should be taken to a household hazardous waste collection site. Most municipalities or counties have designated waste collection days periodically throughout the year. Contact your township officials to find out when these are scheduled in your area. If there is no public program in place, contact your waste disposal contractor to learn about their chemical disposal policies.

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