Through the now-widespread use of these various chemicals, children may be exposed to pesticides in their food, water, and environments. Some of these exposures (i.e. those from pesticide use in schools, on playing fields, in parks, and by neighbors) are more difficult to reduce and control than others. However, being informed, asking questions, researching options, investigating legislation, and requesting notifications from schools and landlords are a few overall steps that will increase the ability to understand the risks pesticides pose to a child and take actions to reduce them.

Despite the many sources of pesticide exposure, pesticide use in the home, lawn, and garden is responsible for most children’s exposures. The best way to protect the home environment from posing health hazards as the result of pesticides is to prevent their use in the first place. If pesticides have already been applied in the home, it is important to wash all surfaces and items that may have come into contact with the pesticide and to provide adequate ventilation throughout the home. As pesticides can be difficult to wash away, it is generally recommended to wash the surfaces first with a Borax solution and then rinse them with a separate baking soda solution.

Neither indoor nor outdoor use of pesticides offer a long-term solution to pest problems; they kill pests but need to be re-applied periodically. In order to permanently eliminate pests, it is necessary to identify the factors that are allowing the pests to thrive and alter them.

Inside the home, this typically involves eliminating food and water sources and preventing pests from entering the home.

• Eliminate food sources such as packaged food in the cupboard, pet food, crumbs on counters and floors, and garbage by preventing access to them. Keeping food and garbage in tightly sealed containers and frequently cleaning counters, floors, carpets, and furniture are a few ways to limit nourishment to pests.
• Eliminate water sources such as leaking pipes, toilets, and faucets; standing water in sinks, tubs, and houseplant bases; and excessive bathroom humidity.
• Eliminate home access points through methods such as caulking or otherwise plugging up all cracks and crevices throughout the home around plumbing, electrical, and gas lines, as well as in places like cupboards and walls; checking items like paper bags, groceries, and pet food bags before they are brought into the house; sealing cracks in window sills and under doors and insuring they have well-maintained screens; and installing screens on all floor drains.

In instances where an infestation has occurred or is not diminishing with preventive measures, and it seems as though traditional chemical pesticides are necessary, alternatives such as baits and boric acid are safer, preferable forms of treatment, as they limit the level of human exposure to pesticides. If more potent pesticides are applied, a targeted application to cracks and crevices is preferred. Pesticide sprays and fogs should not be used to control the problem. Always be certain that the appropriate pesticide is being applied for the location and the level of the problem being addressed. Instructions, guidelines, and warnings on labels should be read, understood, and followed at all times. Proper disposal and storage are also important steps in preventing unwanted pesticide exposures.

Identifying and altering the factors that may allow pests to thrive is also the preferred method of pest prevention outside the home. This typically involves clearing away potential habitats that may be in immediate contact with the home (i.e. woodpile and garbage cans), removing breeding sites (i.e. standing water, pet feces, and trash), and selecting species of vegetation appropriate to the local environment (i.e. pay close attention to grass, shrub, tree, and garden selections).

Overall, this set of combined approaches to pest prevention and reduction is called integrated pest management (IPM).

• IPM is effective, economical, and environmentally sensitive.
• IPM uses a combination of common-sense practices, information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment, and available pest control methods.
• IPM presents the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

Sources and Additional Information:

Asthma Regional Council - "IPM: Policy Options for Residential Real Estate" authored by Alliance staff Housing Policy Director, Jane Malone.

Asthma Regional Council - http://www.asthmaregionalcouncil.org/about/IPM.html

Beyond Pesticides - www.beyondpesticides.org

Community Environmental Health Resource Center (CEHRC) resources

Cox, C., Journal of Pesticide Reform, “Ten Reasons Not to Use Pesticides” (Winter 2001) - www.pesticide.org/TenReasons.pdf

Environmental Health Coalition - www.environmentalhealth.org/PestControl.pdf

Environmental Health Watch, Pests and Asthma Resources (includes IPM information) - www.ehw.org/Asthma/ASTH_home1.htm#Pests

Gumm, Brian, Home Energy, "Integrated Pest Management in the Home," Vol. 21 Iss. 6 pp. 36-39 (Nov-Dec 2004)

Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides - www.pesticide.org

Pesticide Action Network - www.pesticideinfo.org

Safer Pest Control Project - www.spcpweb.org

US Environmental Protection Agency Resources
1. Find out how to safely control pests like cockroaches and rodents that threaten your health.
2. Learn about illegal pesticide products that should never be purchased or used inside the home.
3. Discover answers to questions about pesticide safety and preventing pesticide poisoning.
4. Explore tips on integrated pest management for families.