I'm often asked to recommend pesticides for controlling pests in home vegetable gardens and orchards. While most gardeners are interested in the most effective controls, they also want to use products that are relatively safe. There are a number of products that are fairly safe to use, as long as you use them according to the label. Any pesticide, including common household products like chlorine bleach, can be dangerous if not used properly.

The insecticides most commonly used in home gardens are synthetically compounded materials. Some of these products are as safe as many of the "organic" pesticides, and are preferred by gardeners because they last longer. Malathion, which has been used by gardeners for many years, is probably the safest of the synthetic garden insecticides. It remains effective for one to three days, and controls a number of insects including aphids, scale insects, leafhoppers and cucumber bettles. Many vegetable gardeners use it because it has a short life, and because it is less toxic to beneficial insects than many other synthetic pesticides. Malathion is similar in toxicity to pyrethrum, and somewhat less toxic than nicotine sulfate and rotenone.

Diazinon may control certain insects for up to a week after application, so is more effective against pests that tend to hide or migrate. It contols a wide range of pests in home orchards and vegetable gardens. Though more toxic than malathion to beneficial insects and bees, it is less toxic than carbaryl (Sevin). Diazinon is not as toxic as nicotine sulfate and rotenone.

Carbaryl (Sevin) is not very toxic to humans and controls a number of insect pests, but is more toxic to bees and beneficial insects than malation and diazinon. Carbaryl should not be used on or near flowering plants that are visited by bees. It is toxic to the natural enimies of spider mites, so do not use it where spider mites may be a problem in your garden.

There are a number of pesticides that are considered "safe", but even those can cause injury to plants or the applicator if used improperly. For example soap sprays, which are popular for controlling aphids, thrips and leafhoppers, can be toxic to some plants, especially those with dull or hairy leaf surfaces. Seedlings or very small plants may also be injured, as well as plants stressed from lack of water. Sulfur dust, which is often considered a "natural" pesticide, can also be toxic to some plants, and can cause skin irritation to the applicator. You should use protective clothing and a face mask when applying dusting sulfur.

Used properly, pesticides can control garden pests with minimum impact on the environment, and with no danger to the aaplicator or the plants. Use them only when absolutely necessary, and be sure to carefully read and follow the label directions.