Different Types of Pesticides
Before you look to dispose of pesticides, you may be interested in knowing what type with which you’re dealing. According to the U.S. EPA, chemical pesticides can be divided into four main categories:
1. Organophosphate Pesticides
These were developed in the 19th century, and can be so poisonous that they were used in World War II as nerve agents. Most fall into the insecticide category, and they are the most commonly used pesticides today.
Organophosphates work by disrupting a pest’s nervous system. The effects of organophopate pesticides on insects is similar to the effect they have on humans.
2. Carbamate Pesticides
These were introduced in the 1950s, and similar to organophosphate pesticides, affect the nervous system of insects. They are widely used in gardens, and the most common form is carbaryl.
3. Organochlorine Insecticides
These were commonly used in the past, but have been removed from the market because of environmental and health risks. Examples include Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane (DDT) and chlordane.
4. Pyrethroid Pesticides
Developed in the ’70s, pyrethroid pesticides utilize synthetic versions of pyrethrin. Pyrethrin is a pest repellent that naturally occurs in chrysanthemums. In addition to gardens, pyrethroids are used on pets and livestock, as well as transport vehicles. Some variations of this type of pesticide are toxic to the nervous system. They are typically less toxic to mammals (including humans), because they are deactivated by metabolic processes.
