What are the merits of organic pest control versus chemical pest-control?

Question

ie...

the benefits and disadvantages of both methods of pest-control??

thx~

Answer 1

Chemical pesticides are often more effective over the short term. However, over time, pests build up immunity to the poisons, so you have to keep using stronger and stronger chemicals. Some pesticides also cause health problems (mainly cancer and reproductive or neurological problems) in human handlers and consumers- if you plan to apply them yourself, be very, very careful to follow the directions EXACTLY. Pesticides also kill beneficial insects as well as harmful ones, and can contaminate groundwater or nearby lakes, rivers, creeks, etc.

Organic methods are more holistic and therefore often less effective short term. Over time, however, many organic farms suffer less crop loss than conventional farms because they concentrate on maintaining healthy populations of natural predators for the pests, practice crop rotation and diversified planting that makes it difficult for any one species of pest to gain a toehold (in contrast to the monocultures common on conventional farms), and place lots of emphasis on natural (rather than chemical) improvement of the soil, which results in plants that are healthier and more pest-resistant in the first place.

Here are some links you might find helpful:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_far...

http://www.rodaleinstitute.org/

http://www.organicgardening.com/

http://www.attra.org/organic.html

http://www.organicconsumers.org/

http://www.beyondpesticides.org/