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Pesticides – what exactly are they?
[mis à jour le 26 June 2009 à 11h58]
What exactly is a pesticide? For millions of keen gardeners, insecticides and other products that get rid of garden pests are considered valuable allies. However, many of us do not really understand how they should be used and the potentially harmful effects of these substances.
The term pesticide denotes a phytopharmaceutical product intended to combat garden and outdoor pests, vermin and not just animals or insects. Pesticides are preparations that contain one or more chemical substances and can be used to control pests, plant diseases and weeds.
We use several “families” of pesticides: fungicides which act on fungi, herbicides which destroy unwanted plant life and finally insecticides which do away with insects, mites, ticks etc. Not forgetting poisonous baits to deal with rats, shrews and other rodents.
Any use of a pesticide must always be undertaken with caution. Whether you are on occasional user or use them regularly as part of your job, always be sure to read the labels carefully. And kit yourself out with a mask, gloves and goggles. One final warning – never use pesticides when it is windy.
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