Pesticide usage dropped in California for the fourth consecutive year in 2009, says Mary-Ann Warmerdam of the Department of Pesticide Regulation. Approximately 156 million pounds of pesticides were reported to have been applied statewide. That is a decrease of 5% (close to 8 million pounds) from 2008.
Agriculture production saw a 5.1 million pound reduction of pesticide usage. Other categories, such as post-harvest treatments, structural pest control and landscape maintenance also saw reduced usage. It is important to note that pesticide usage reports are mandatory for agriculture and pest control business applications. Most homeowners, industries and institutions do not report their use of pesticides.
“The winter and spring of 2009 were relatively dry, which probably resulted in less weed and disease pressure,” Warmerdam said. “Fumigants showed the greatest drop in pounds and acres treated, which also may be due to increased environmental and regulatory concerns.” Fumigant usage dropped by 5.4 million pounds or 14%.
Fumigants are primarily used on strawberry, carrot and tomato fields to control weeds, soil-borne pests and diseases. They are also used for structural pest control applications, such as drywood termite fumigations of homes.
The DPR increased restrictions of agricultural fumigant applications during 2008. These restrictions were focused in areas of the state that don’t meet Federal air quality standards.
Insecticide usage saw the second largest decrease, in both the number of pounds and acres treated. Broad-based insecticides are being replaced with newer products that focus on a specific pest. The newer products are often less toxic to humans and the environment.
Sulfur remains the most used pesticide, in both pounds and acres treated. Sulfur accounts for 27% of all reported pesticide usage and it saw an increase of 1.6 million pounds or 4%. You should note that sulfur is a natural fungicide that is used by both conventional and organic farmers.
Fresno, Kern, Tulare, San Joaquin and Monterey are the top five counties where most pesticides are applied and all of these counties are major producers of agricultural products.
“Termite” Terry wants to remind everyone that he will continue to look for ways to reduce the amount of pesticides applied during pest control services. He says the new products are working so well that it isn’t necessary to use as much pesticide as we did in years past. The big difference is that these new products are “surgically” applied in key locations and in small amounts. It does take more time and effort to work with these new products because it means that technicians have to get down on their hands and knees to do a lot of this work. But, best of all, it means that “Termite” Terry’s clients can really enjoy living pest free and have the peace of mind knowing that we’re practicing techniques that will have the least impact on our environment.
Do you have pest problems and want to know more about “Termite” Terry’s pest control services? Please call our office at (949) 631-7348 and we’ll schedule a FREE Pest Audit at your convenience.
