The word ‘pesticide’ is used as an umbrella term for any substance that is designed to control a pest or disease.

However, research has show they can negatively impact more than just their target. They have been shown to decrease biodiversity, disrupt the health of pregnant women and children, drain the economy (due to the illness and injury they cause), and pollute ground water and soil microorganisms. Find more information about this via the Pesticide Action Network.

Some commonly used types of pesticide are:

Herbicides: these are designed to kill plants and are used to manage weeds, such as glyphosate.
Insecticides: as the name suggests, this kind of pesticide targets 'pest' insects, such as neonicotinoids.
Fungicides: these are toxic chemicals used to control fungal diseases.

There are also specific pesticides to kill rodents and molluscs. And the term also covers synthetic plant growth regulators, which modify plant development so they can grow out of season, plus defoliants (that accelerate leaf fall) and desiccants (which dry leaves out so they can be harvested).

What can I use instead of pesticides?

Sometimes 'pest' insects and weeds can get out of control, particularly in wet and warm years - but don't be tempted to reach for the sprays. Pesticides are indiscriminate: also killing many insects and plants that you do want.

Instead, think of you garden as an ecosystem, with interconnected parts. If you create a balance in the whole garden, with a healthy mix of insects, predators and plants - nature will do the hard work for you.

Consider these three steps, before your reach for the weed killer or insecticide:

How did the problem occur? Pesticides will only address the problem, and could very well come back. So look at the cause - is it a garden hygiene issue, do you need to encourage more beneficial predators? Or are you leaving soil bare so weeds colonise it? Head to our Pests & Diseases or Weeds hub to find out more.
Mix up your planting. Having only one or two kinds of vegetable in your plot, or one or two kinds of flower in your garden makes pest damage more impactful, and likely. Think about companion planting, or using a green manures to smother weeds.
Be patient. Quick fixes rarely work in nature. Learn to tolerate some pests and see their benefits. Remember, many so-called pests and weeds are part of the food chain for other valuable insects and animals. Encourage a few weeds to grow on the edges of your lawn and the bees will thank you. It won't take long before you create beautiful and productive garden that's also brilliant for wildlife.