Pesticides are everywhere, on our farms, in our gardens, and even in our homes. But how much do we actually know about them? What’s in them? How do they work? And, most importantly, how do they affect our health and the environment?
At their core, pesticides are substances designed to control pests, whether those pests are insects, weeds, fungi, or rodents. However, not all pesticides function the same way or pose the same risks. Some are made from naturally occurring substances and break down quickly, while others are synthetic chemicals that persist in the environment and may have long-term effects on human health and ecosystems.
Whether you're tending a backyard garden or managing acres of crops, understanding pesticides isn’t just useful, it’s essential. Because when it comes to what we grow and what we consume, knowledge is power.
The Regulation of Pesticides: The Role of the EPA
As concerns over the health and environmental effects of pesticides grew in the late 20th century, the U.S. government faced increasing pressure to establish stronger regulations. In response, on December 2, 1970, President Richard Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an independent agency responsible for overseeing environmental protection, including pesticide regulation.
The EPA sets pesticide regulations, determines which chemicals are approved for use, and establishes safety limits for pesticide residues in food and water. Think of it as the watchdog for pesticide safety, deciding what’s legal, what’s banned, and how much exposure is considered “safe.” They also provide resources on how to minimize exposure so consumers can make informed choices. However, not all chemicals are as tightly regulated as they should be, which is why public awareness and advocacy matter.
Within the EPA, the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) is responsible for registering pesticides, reviewing their safety, and enforcing compliance with labeling laws and usage reporting. This division can impose fines, revoke registrations, or restrict pesticide sales if products fail to meet safety standards.
Beyond federal oversight, individual states can set their own, stricter pesticide laws to further protect public health and the environment. Some states impose stricter reporting requirements, while others have banned certain pesticides that remain legal at the federal level.
The Four Main Types of Pesticides and Their Role in Pest Control
Modern pesticides fall into four main categories, each designed to target a specific type of pest. While these chemicals help manage pests, they also pose risks to non-target organisms, pollute water sources, and disrupt natural ecosystems. Understanding how each pesticide works, and its potential dangers, can help both farmers and consumers make informed choices about pest management.
Rodenticides: Controlling Rodents Like Mice and Rats
Rodenticides are formulated to kill rodents such as mice, rats, and other larger pests that damage crops, stored food, and property. Since rodents carry diseases, their control is essential for public health.
However, rodenticides work in different ways, some cause internal bleeding, others attack the nervous system, and some dehydrate rodents. These chemicals are highly toxic and persist in the environment, making them dangerous to wildlife, pets, and even humans. Predators like owls, hawks, and foxes that feed on poisoned rodents often suffer from secondary poisoning, disrupting entire ecosystems. Additionally, improper use of rodenticides in homes and gardens can result in accidental poisoning of non-target animals.
Insecticides: Killing Crops Damaging Insects
Insecticides are the most widely used type of pesticide because insects pose one of the greatest threats to agriculture. These pesticides work in three main ways:
Contact Insecticides: Kill insects immediately upon direct contact.
Ingested Insecticides: Poison insects when they consume treated plants or bait.
Systemic Insecticides: Absorb into the plant’s tissues, making them toxic to any insect that feeds on them.
While insecticides have played a critical role in reducing crop loss and preventing insect-borne diseases, many synthetic versions come with serious risks. Certain classes, such as organophosphates and organochlorines, have been linked to neurological disorders, hormone disruption, and even cancer.
One of the most infamous insecticides, DDT, was widely used for decades before being banned in many countries due to its devastating environmental and human health effects.
However, not all insecticides are harmful. Biological insecticides, which are derived from naturally occurring bacteria, fungi, and other organic materials, offer a safer, targeted approach to pest control.
Fungicides: Preventing and Treating Plant Diseases
Fungicides are used to control fungi, mold, and mildew, common threats that can weaken plants, reduce crop yields, and spread quickly if left untreated.
These pesticides either prevent fungal spores from germinating or stop an existing infection from spreading. Commonly used fungicides include copper-based compounds, sulfur, and synthetic chemicals like chlorothalonil.
Synthetic fungicides often leave harmful residues on crops and can disrupt the delicate balance of beneficial microbes in the soil. These microbes aid in nutrient absorption and help plants resist disease, making their loss a serious concern.
Additionally, overuse of fungicides can lead to fungicide-resistant strains of fungi, making them harder to control over time. To reduce these risks, many farmers are shifting toward natural antifungal treatments, crop rotation, and improved soil health management to prevent outbreaks before they occur.
Herbicides: Controlling Weeds and Invasive Plants
Herbicides are designed to eliminate weeds and other unwanted plants that compete with crops for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Some herbicides target specific types of weeds, such as broadleaf weeds, while others kill all plants they come into contact with.
One of the most well-known herbicides is glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup. While widely used in conventional agriculture, glyphosate has been at the center of controversy due to concerns about its potential health effects and environmental impact. Some studies have suggested that long-term exposure to glyphosate may be linked to cancer and disruptions in the gut microbiome, leading to calls for stricter regulations on its use.
Another major issue with herbicide use is the development of herbicide-resistant weeds. When herbicides are applied repeatedly over time, certain weeds evolve resistance, making them harder to control. This has led to stronger herbicides being developed and used more frequently, further contributing to soil degradation and environmental pollution.
Rather than relying solely on herbicides, many farmers and gardeners are turning to alternative weed control methods such as mulching, crop rotation, and mechanical weeding. These approaches help reduce weed pressure naturally, promoting healthier soil and reducing dependence on chemical herbicides.
Regulatory Categories of Pesticides
Not all pesticides are treated the same when it comes to regulations. Some are tightly controlled, while others slip through with fewer restrictions. Knowing where a pesticide falls on this scale helps you make smarter choices about what you’re using on your plants, or what’s ending up on your food.
Traditional Registered Pesticides
Traditional registered pesticides are those that comply with the standard registration process set by regulatory agencies, primarily the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States. These pesticides are typically patented formulas, though patenting is not a requirement, and they must undergo toxicology testing, environmental impact testing, independent field trials for efficacy and labeling claims, and compliance with labeling and annual reporting regulations.
This category includes more than 34,000 registered pesticide products, some of which have been banned in the U.S. and other countries due to their high toxicity and environmental risks. However, there is a major issue with how these products are classified. Registered pesticides do not differentiate between levels of toxicity, a substance as mild as pure mineral oil is grouped alongside highly toxic chemicals that have been banned for being too dangerous. This lack of distinction means that even though some registered pesticides are relatively safe, many others leave harmful residues in the soil, air, and water, impacting human health and ecosystems for years after application.
Biopesticides
Biopesticides are derived from natural materials such as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. They are often considered safer alternatives to traditional synthetic pesticides because they target specific pests, decompose quickly, and leave minimal residues in the environment. Compared to chemical pesticides, biopesticides generally have lower toxicity to humans, pollinators, and beneficial insects, making them an essential tool for sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. The two main categories of biopesticides are microbial biopesticides and genetically engineered biopesticides.
Microbial Biopesticides
Microbial biopesticides contain naturally occurring microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoa that control pests by infecting or competing with them. These biopesticides work in harmony with nature and have been used in organic farming for decades.
Some well-known examples include:
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): A bacterial pesticide that produces proteins toxic to certain insect larvae while being harmless to humans and beneficial insects.
Beauveria bassiana: A fungus that infects and kills various insect pests by penetrating their outer shells.
Nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs) and Granuloviruses (GVs): Viruses that specifically target caterpillars and other agricultural pests, effectively reducing populations without harming other organisms.
In nature, there are both pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria. Beneficial bacteria, often referred to as probiotics for plants, thrive in healthy soil, on insect bodies, and on plant roots. These bacteria aid in nutrient absorption, prevent disease, and suppress pest populations naturally. However, poor soil health, pH imbalances, or excessive chemical use can disrupt microbial ecosystems, allowing harmful pathogens to take over. The use of microbial biopesticides can restore balance and enhance plant resilience against disease.
Biochemically Engineered Biopesticides (Including GMOs)
A more controversial category of biopesticides consists of bioengineered and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) designed to function as pesticides themselves. These products are developed in laboratories to target specific pests, reduce chemical pesticide use, and improve crop resistance.
Examples include genetically modified (GM) crops like Bt corn and Bt cotton, which produce insecticidal proteins that kill pests but are safe for humans and RNA interference (RNAi) biopesticides, which silence genes in specific pests, preventing them from feeding or reproducing.
Genetically modified biopesticides remain controversial due to concerns over long-term environmental impacts, potential cross-contamination with non-GM crops, and unknown effects on biodiversity. While the U.S. has approved over 200 GMO-based biopesticides, other nations, particularly in Europe, have imposed strict regulations or outright bans.
See our article on GMO's here.
FIFRA 25(b) Exempt Minimum Risk Pesticides: The Safest Alternative
Minimum risk pesticides, categorized under FIFRA 25(b) exemptions, include a pre-approved list of 48 active and 288 inert ingredients that have been safely used for years. These ingredients are recognized for their low toxicity to soil, water, air, people, and pets. Because they are considered low risk, these products do not require full EPA registration or detailed usage reporting. However, they must still meet strict labeling, caution, and claims requirements to ensure proper use and consumer safety.
Unlike conventional pesticides, minimum-risk products, like Lost Coast Plant Therapy, use naturally derived ingredients to target pests while being safe for bees, ladybugs, praying mantieses and the surrounding environment when used as directed. Despite their effectiveness and safety, many conventional farmers remain unaware of these gentle but efficient alternatives, largely due to the agricultural industry's structure, which favors large chemical companies and contract-based supply chains.
Big agricultural suppliers and chemical companies dominate the market, offering farmers contract-based supply deals that limit their ability to explore alternative pest control methods. Many farmers mistakenly believe that because minimum risk pesticides do not require registration, they are not legally permitted. In reality, these products can be reported as “25b exempt” in required documentation, making them a completely legal and viable alternative to traditional pesticides.
The lack of awareness and education surrounding minimum risk pesticides is likely intentional. Large agricultural corporations, which profit from selling chemical pesticides and fertilizers, have a vested interest in keeping farmers dependent on their products. Unless a farmer actively researches and sources alternative solutions on their own, something that can be time-consuming and expensive, they remain locked into contracts that prevent them from adopting safer, more sustainable natural garden pest control methods.
The Role of Nature in Pest and Disease Control
Nature has its own built-in pest control systems that have maintained balance for millions of years. Insects, fungi, and bacteria are not inherently "bad", they play a key role in keeping ecosystems resilient.
Ever notice how some plants seem to attract bugs more than others? That’s not an accident, it’s nature’s way of weeding out the weak. When a plant is stressed (from bad soil, too much heat, or lack of nutrients), it gives off signals that invite insects and microbes to break it down and recycle its nutrients. This natural cycle ensures that only the healthiest plants thrive, strengthening biodiversity.
Pollinators, especially bees, are a crucial part of this system. They fertilize over 75% of flowering plants, including many crops humans rely on for food. However, pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, interfere with bee navigation, reproduction, and immune systems, leading to colony collapse and population declines. Without pollinators, fruit and vegetable crops cannot reproduce, leading to widespread food shortages and ecosystem collapse.
This is why disease and pest infestations are more common in unhealthy plants. Rather than immediately resorting to pesticides, addressing the underlying cause of the plant's stress, such as improving soil quality, adjusting watering schedules, or enhancing biodiversity in the garden, can significantly reduce the need for chemical interventions.
Rethinking Pesticide Use for a More Sustainable Future
The key takeaway from understanding these three pesticide categories is that not all pesticides are created equal. While traditional registered pesticides remain dominant, the long-term consequences of their toxicity, persistence in the environment, and impact on human health have led to a growing interest in biopesticides and minimum risk alternatives. Nature has built-in mechanisms for pest control and disease prevention, and by working with these natural processes rather than against them, we can develop more sustainable and effective ways to protect crops.
To ensure a healthier future for both agriculture and the environment, more effort is needed to educate farmers, policymakers, and consumers about the benefits of natural pest control solutions. Supporting organic and regenerative farming practices, advocating for stronger pesticide regulations, and choosing pesticide-free or minimally treated produce can all contribute to reducing the global reliance on harmful chemical pesticides.
Understanding Tolerances: How Much Chemical Exposure Is Considered "Safe"?
Part of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations includes a section on Tolerances, the idea that there is an acceptable level of poison or chemical toxicity that is legally tolerated in soil, water, air, food, cosmetics, medicine, and other consumer products. In other words, these agencies have determined that certain levels of toxic chemicals are "safe" for human exposure, despite the fact that long-term cumulative exposure remains a concern.
The foundation of these regulations comes from scientific research conducted in the 1940s, when German and American scientists studied how much chemical exposure the human body could withstand before experiencing negative effects, or even death. Their findings helped shape modern pesticide regulations by defining "safe limits", but they also created loopholes that allow harmful substances to remain in circulation as long as they stay within these legally set boundaries. However, just because a substance is within a government-approved "safe" limit does not mean it is truly risk-free, especially when consumed or absorbed repeatedly over time.
The Dirty Secret of Organic Certification
One of the biggest misconceptions about organic farming in the U.S. is that organic always means pesticide-free. In reality, most traditional chemical-based pesticides are still allowed in organic agriculture, the only difference is that organic standards require farmers to stop using them earlier in the growing cycle compared to conventional farms.
This means that not all organic food is equal. Some organic farms genuinely rely on natural, non-chemical pest control methods, while others follow the minimum legal requirements, which still allow synthetic pesticides in reduced amounts or for a shorter period. Because of this, many consumers unknowingly purchase organic products with pesticide residues, assuming they are completely chemical-free.
Adding to the controversy is the fact that the U.S. has some of the weakest standards in the world for what qualifies as "organic" or "natural." While American regulations allow pesticide residues within EPA-approved tolerance levels, the European Union enforces much stricter rules, banning many synthetic pesticides still legal in the U.S. This major discrepancy raises concerns about consumer awareness and the true meaning of organic certification.
The real question remains: If a chemical is toxic, even in small amounts, should it be tolerated at all? And how do repeated exposures from multiple sources, food, water, and air, affect long-term health? These are the critical questions consumers must consider when making choices about pesticide use, food safety, and sustainable agriculture.
How to Minimize Pesticide Exposure in Your Food
If even organic food can contain pesticide residues, how can consumers ensure they are purchasing the cleanest, least chemically treated food possible?
Look Beyond the "Organic" Label
Many consumers believe that organic means completely pesticide-free, but that's not always the case. While USDA Organic is a better option than conventionally grown produce, USDA Organic still allows certain pesticide residues within legal limits.
Choose Certified Naturally Grown or Regenerative Organic Certified Products
These certifications often follow stricter guidelines than USDA Organic, ensuring that food is cultivated with fewer or no synthetic pesticides, healthier soil management, and more sustainable farming practices. If you're looking for truly low-chemical options, these are your best choices.
Buy from Local and Transparent Farms
Farmers markets often provide access to small farms that prioritize soil health and natural and organic pest control. Many small-scale farmers follow organic practices but may not have official certification due to the high costs associated with it. Talking directly with farmers about their growing methods can provide more insight into how your food is produced.
Wash Produce Thoroughly
While washing cannot remove all pesticide residues, using a baking soda or vinegar soak can help reduce chemical traces on fruits and vegetables. Peeling certain produce, like apples or cucumbers, can also lower exposure, but it may remove valuable nutrients found in the skin.
Grow Your Own Food
The surest way to know exactly what’s in your food is to grow it yourself. While not everyone has the space or time for a full garden, even a small herb pot or a few vegetable plants can make a difference. When you grow your own, you control what goes into the soil, what touches your plants, and ultimately, what ends up on your plate.
The Hidden Dangers of Chemical Pesticides
Pesticides don’t just stay on the farm, they make their way into our food, water, and even the air we breathe, affecting all of us. Even after washing and peeling produce, pesticide residues can linger, building up in the body over time and potentially leading to long-term health effects.
Another growing concern is pesticide resistance. When pests are repeatedly exposed to the same chemicals, they evolve, making the pesticides less effective. This forces farmers to apply stronger chemicals or increase the frequency of applications, creating a dangerous cycle of rising chemical dependence. The result? More toxic chemicals in our environment, higher costs for farmers, and diminishing effectiveness as pests continue to adapt.
Alternatives to Chemical Pesticides
Understanding the impact of pesticides is the first step. The next step is finding better solutions, ones that protect crops without harming the planet. The good news is that there are many natural, eco-friendly ways to manage pests that don’t require synthetic chemicals. Whether you are growing food in your backyard garden or managing a large farm, combining biological, mechanical, and cultural pest control methods can help maintain a balanced, thriving ecosystem.
One of the best approaches is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a system that focuses on prevention and uses multiple pest control methods together, rather than relying on a single pesticide. The goal is to reduce pesticide use while still protecting crops and plants. A successful IPM strategy starts with prevention, healthy plants are naturally more resistant to pests, so practices like proper watering, nutrient-rich soil, and crop rotation can prevent infestations before they begin. Monitoring is another key component, as early detection allows for intervention before a pest problem gets out of control.
IPM also incorporates biological control methods, which encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps to feed on pests naturally. Instead of using chemical sprays, farmers and gardeners can create an environment where these predators thrive, reducing the need for insecticides. Mechanical control is another effective technique, using physical barriers such as row covers, sticky traps, or handpicking pests off plants to prevent infestations. And if pesticide use is absolutely necessary, IPM prioritizes natural or least-toxic options before resorting to stronger chemicals. When properly implemented, IPM can reduce pesticide use by 50-90%, making it an incredibly powerful tool for sustainable agriculture.
The Story Behind Our Natural Plant Wash
We know how frustrating it can be to battle stubborn pests and plant diseases. Like many growers, we’ve dealt with the relentless struggle of mites, powdery mildew, and other plant-damaging issues in our own gardens, trying every so-called "natural" solution, only to be disappointed. We didn’t want to resort to toxic pesticides, but we also needed something that actually worked. That’s why we set out to create a solution that was both natural and effective. After extensive research, testing, and refining, Lost Coast Plant Therapy was born.
Our formula is made with essential oils, citric acid, and soap, designed to suffocate pests on contact rather than poisoning them. This approach makes it safer for plants, pollinators, and the environment, all while leaving behind no harmful residues when used as directed. Whether you’re a home gardener, an organic farmer, or managing a large-scale grow, you deserve a solution that works without compromise.
Unlike many conventional pesticides, Lost Coast Plant Therapy isn’t just about getting the job done, it’s about doing it the right way. As a minimum-risk pesticide, it meets FIFRA 25(b) exemption standards, meaning it contains only ingredients considered safe for people, pets, and the environment. But what truly sets us apart is our commitment to transparency. While regulations only require companies to disclose active ingredients, we proudly list every ingredient in our formula. We believe growers should have complete confidence in the products they use, and that starts with knowing exactly what’s inside.
For us, creating Lost Coast Plant Therapy wasn’t just about making another product, it was about solving a real problem for growers. Pesticide use shouldn’t come at the cost of your health, the environment, or the beneficial insects that support your plants. That’s why we remain committed to providing an effective, natural alternative that growers can trust.
Our Choices Make a Difference
Think about the food on your plate. The fruits, the vegetables, the grains, all the things we put into our bodies and feed our families. Now, ask yourself: Do you really want those things laced with poisons?
Every year, billions of pounds of toxic chemicals are sprayed onto our food, our soil, and our water. These substances don’t just disappear. They build up. In our bodies. In our children’s bodies. In the very ecosystems that sustain life.
Imagine looking at your child, your grandchild, or even just the next generation growing up in a world where the air is laced with chemicals, the soil is weak, and the bees are vanishing. Is that the world we want to leave behind?
And for what? To support businesses that cut corners, that put profit over people, that flood the market with synthetic pesticides that harm more than they help?
The truth is, these pesticides may have a place in agriculture, but they shouldn’t be our only option, or our first choice. There are better ways. Safer ways. Ways that work without poisoning our bodies and the planet.
So the question is: Will we keep funding the problem, or will we start demanding better? You’ve probably heard the saying, “You vote with your dollars.” Every purchase you make is a choice that supports a particular type of agriculture. And the good news is that we have choices.
It’s time to rethink how we grow, how we shop, and how we protect what truly matters. Because by choosing safer pest control, we’re protecting both our health and the planet for future generations.
FAQ's
What is a pesticide, and why are pesticides used?
A pesticide is a chemical or biological substance that is used to kill, repel, or control pests that threaten plants or animals. Pesticides are used to control insects, weeds, fungi, and other organisms that can damage crops or spread disease. The use of pesticides is intended for preventing damage to food supplies, public health threats, and economic losses caused by pests.
What are the different types of pesticides?
Pesticides include insecticides (used to kill insects), herbicides (used to eliminate weeds), fungicides (used to control fungi), rodenticides (used to control rodents), and microbial pesticides, which are derived from naturally occurring bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Biopesticides are certain types of pesticides derived from living organisms, and they are often considered safer alternatives to synthetic pesticides.
How does the EPA regulate pesticides?
The EPA regulates pesticides to ensure they are safe for human health and the environment. All pesticides are reviewed and must be approved before they can be sold or used in the U.S. The EPA evaluates the health and environmental effects of pesticides, including their toxicity, persistence in the environment, and potential for pesticide resistance. Pesticides that are allowed for use in organic agriculture must meet strict safety criteria.
What are biochemical pesticides, and how do they differ from conventional products?
Biochemical pesticides are naturally occurring pesticides that control pests using non-toxic mechanisms, such as pheromones that interfere with insect mating or substances that enhance plant resistance. Unlike conventional products, which often contain toxic pesticides designed to kill pests outright, biochemical pesticides work by disrupting pest behavior rather than poisoning them.
How much pesticide is applied each year?
Each year, billions of pounds of pesticides are applied globally, with the U.S. alone using over one billion pounds of pesticides annually. The amount of pesticide used depends on factors such as crop type, pest pressure, and farming practices. Pesticides can also be found in non-agricultural settings, such as households, gardens, and public spaces.
What is the history of pesticides?
The history of pesticides dates back thousands of years, with early civilizations using sulfur, plant extracts, and natural oils to deter garden pests. The use of chemicals in modern agriculture expanded in the 20th century with the introduction of synthetic pesticides like organochlorine pesticides, including DDT. However, many of these toxic pesticides are no longer used due to their harmful environmental and health effects.
How do genetically modified plants impact pesticide use?
Genetically modified plants are designed to resist pests and herbicides, reducing the need for chemical pesticide applications. However, the widespread adoption of genetically modified plants has also contributed to the evolution of pesticide-resistant pests and weeds, leading to increased use of herbicides like glyphosate. The long-term health and environmental effects of genetically modified crops remain a subject of scientific debate.
How do the ingredients in pesticides impact the environment and human health?
The ingredients in pesticides play a big role in how effective they are and what risks they pose. Natural pesticides, like biological and microbial pesticides, come from natural sources and tend to break down faster. On the other hand, synthetic pesticides, including carbamate and organochlorine pesticides, often stick around longer and may cause health concerns. With billions of pounds of pesticides used each year, exposure is a growing issue, especially for applicators and consumers.
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