Apr 1 2008
With organic food and eco-friendly cleaning supplies now widely available, being 'green' at home is getting easier. When it comes to killing bugs, however, most people still reach for chemical insecticides because they are not aware that safe and effective botanical alternatives exist.
"Most Americans don't realize that they can kill household insects without using conventional pesticides that leave behind a harmful chemical residue," said Steven Bessette, the president of EcoSMART Technologies, which makes organic insecticides that are safe to use around children and pets, and are recommended by the non-profit group Healthy Child, Healthy World.
EcoSMART's university-tested botanical pesticides kill bugs as effectively as synthetic pesticides, but their formulation is based on the centuries-old natural defenses that plants and trees use for their self-protection against insects and pathogens -- essential oils. EcoSMART's unique blends of essential oils block specific neural pathways in insects that regulate insect movement, behavior and metabolism. This results in instant immobilization and/or knockdown followed by the insect's death. Because these neural pathways do not exist in mammals, the formulations are completely safe to use around children, animals, birds and fish.
"There are many smart and affordable ways to create a safer, healthier environment for children," said Christopher Gavigan, CEO / Executive Director of Healthy Child Healthy World, which offers free information and expertise to help create healthy environments for families and children.
At its website, http://www.healthychild.org, parents can find tips such as these for healthier pest control:
- Prevent pests through good sanitation and food storage habits
- Remove shoes and wash hands immediately after playing outside to prevent tracking dirt indoors.
- Seal cracks and install door sweeps
- Use or fix window screens
- Manage outdoor lights to prevent insects gathering
- Eliminate moisture problems to keep the home dry
- Properly store all food
- Use non-toxic products
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recent reports indicate at least one pesticide product is used indoors by 75 percent of U.S. households each year and that 80 percent of the average person's exposure to pesticides occurs indoors EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pesticid.html.
The active and inert ingredients in EcoSMART products are exempt from EPA registration and are approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These oils are commonly used to add flavor and aroma to many cosmetic, beverage and food products.
The new 14-ounce aerosols, available in Wal-Mart, Albertsons and other large retailers, include Ant & Roach Killer, Flying Insect Killer and Wasp & Hornet Killer. Consumers can also buy EcoSMART products online at http://www.ecosmart.com.
"EcoSMART has made it easier to protect children by reducing their exposure to harmful chemical pesticide residues while keeping homes clean and bugs under control," Gavigan said.
In the spring of 2008, EcoSMART will also launch a highly effective 6 oz personal insect repellent that provides 2-3 hours of protection against mosquitoes, gnats, biting flies and no-see-ums. It is DEET-free and safe for kids.