Side effects of the various preventive and control methods - SS2 Agriculture Lesson Note

Side Effects of Chemical Pest Control Methods:

 

• Chemical Pollution: When farmers use sprayers and insecticides to control pests, there's a risk of chemical pollution. These chemicals can end up in the soil, water, and even the air. This pollution can harm the environment, including plants and animals that are not pests.

 

• Poisoning Risk: Chemical insecticides are designed to kill pests, but they can also be harmful to humans and animals. If people come into contact with these chemicals, either through skin contact or by inhaling them, it can lead to poisoning, which can be very dangerous.

 

• Residue on Crops: Insecticides can leave residues on the crops they are used on. This means that even after washing or cooking, traces of these chemicals can remain on the food we eat. Consuming such residues can have health risks for humans.

 

• Resistance: Pests can become resistant to insecticides over time. When chemicals are used too often, the pests that survive develop resistance, making it harder to control them in the future. This leads to a need for even stronger chemicals, which can worsen the side effects.

 

• Harm to Beneficial Insects: Chemical insecticides don't discriminate; they can harm not only pests but also beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs, which are essential for pollination and natural pest control.

 

• Impact on Non-Target Species: Insecticides can unintentionally harm non-target species like birds, fish, and other wildlife. They can disrupt ecosystems and lead to imbalances in nature.