Lawn insecticide can significantly reduce the number of insects and other minor pests that damage your plants. Although a number health issues have been raised against using insecticide on one's lawn, many current formulations of lawn insecticide have been proven safe for human use. Most types of insecticide break down within a few hours, dramatically reducing any health risks the chemicals might present to a person. With proper use, lawn insecticide can keep a lawn lush and healthy, without causing any undue damage to the homeowner.
Grubs, aphids, and other small pests can do a significant amount of damage to a lawn. These organisms feed on the leaves, stems, and roots of plants, resulting in malnourished flowers and dead grass. They can also lower the viability of the soil, making it difficult to grow new plants in place of dead ones. Since these insects are often numerous and small, it is difficult to remove them from the premises without the aid of lawn insecticide.
The chemicals in lawn insecticide are specifically formulated to accomplish two major tasks: diminish the existing insect population and prevent the insects from repopulating by eliminating any eggs. Although results are never 100-percent effective in completely wiping out an insect problem, lawn insecticide is strong enough to guarantee low enough insect numbers that allow a lawn to thrive. The insecticide is most commonly applied by spraying over affected areas to ensure full coverage, over both the plants themselves and the soil.
Certain active ingredients found in some insecticides are considered harmful to humans. Most lawn insecticides, however, contain these chemicals in quantities safe enough for home use, provided the usage instructions are correctly followed. In addition, many insecticides use naturally-occurring substances to diminish insect populations. These ingredients include eucalyptus oil and pyrethrum, which are obtained from household plants. Other insecticides use synthesized versions of these chemicals and are also considered to be safe for home use.
Many homeowners are also concerned about the chemical residue from lawn insecticides accumulating and causing harm to both the lawn and other people due to higher concentrations. Most lawn insecticide products, however, are formulated to dissipate after an adequate amount of time, leaving little to no trace. As a result, the insect population is significantly decreased without any risk of harm to the user or the lawn itself.