Many people associate pesticides with those things you see at the nursery or big box stores in the gardening isle like weed killer, insecticides, and mouse traps. But there are MANY items in your home that are pesticides that you might use daily without even thinking about it. Some examples:
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, pesticide law defines a pesticide (with certain minor exceptions) as:
- Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest.
- Any substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant.
- Any nitrogen stabilizer.
If you think about this very broad definition, consider things in your home that you use routinely that may fit that description, and make sure you understand any potential risks they may pose to your family, your pets, or the environment. Be sure to read the label for any product you use.