Pest control is an essential part of maintaining a safe and healthy home, but it’s natural to wonder—are there long-term health risks from the products used in treatments? At Good Earth Pest Company, we believe in transparency and safety when it comes to the products we use and how they impact your home, health, and environment. Let’s break it down.
Key Takeaways
- The products we use are tested, regulated, and applied responsibly to minimize risk.
- Long-term exposure to pesticides is unlikely when treatments are applied correctly.
- The dose makes the poison—trace amounts used in professional treatments are far different from long-term, high-level exposure seen in industrial agriculture.
- Our IPM (Integrated Pest Management) approach reduces the need for frequent pesticide applications.
Understanding the Safety of Pest Control Products
The concern over long-term health effects usually comes from stories about older, now-banned pesticides like DDT or Chlordane, which were used decades ago before we fully understood their environmental and health impacts. Today, all pest control products undergo extensive testing by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) before they can be used in homes or businesses. These products are rigorously evaluated for their safety in relation to human health, pets, and the environment.
When used properly, modern pest control products break down over time and do not accumulate in the body or environment in a way that would lead to chronic health issues.
What About Long-Term Exposure?
For the average customer, exposure to pest control products is minimal. Treatments are applied in a way that targets pests while limiting human contact, and most products break down naturally over time. However, here are some key factors to consider:
- Application Matters – Professional technicians follow strict guidelines to ensure treatments are applied in low, targeted amounts. Oversaturation or improper DIY use can increase exposure.
- Product Selection – Many of the products we use are non-repellent, low-toxicity formulations that break down quickly and have minimal impact on indoor air quality.
- Residue & Breakdown – Some products, like insect growth regulators (IGRs) or dusts, remain active longer in specific environments, but they are formulated to affect only targeted pests, not humans or pets.
- Rodenticides & Secondary Exposure – Rodent baits, when used, are placed in tamper-resistant stations to reduce risks to non-target animals. While anticoagulant rodenticides have raised concerns in wildlife, Good Earth prioritizes cholecalciferol-based baits (Vitamin D3) and other modern alternatives that reduce the risk of secondary poisoning.
The Dose Makes the Poison
One of the most important principles in toxicology is that the amount of exposure determines the risk. Even common household items—table salt, caffeine, or essential oils—can be toxic in large enough doses.
For perspective:
- Salt is essential to human health but can be dangerous in large amounts.
- Caffeine is a natural pesticide, yet we safely consume it in coffee.
- Many “natural” pesticides (like essential oils) can be toxic to pets or humans in high concentrations.
Modern pest control products are designed for low-dose, targeted application—enough to eliminate pests but not enough to pose a long-term risk to you, your family, or your pets.
How Good Earth Minimizes Health Risks
We take a cautious, proactive approach to pest control that prioritizes your safety:
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – We reduce the need for chemicals by focusing on prevention, exclusion, and habitat modification first.
- Careful Application – Treatments are applied in precise, controlled amounts, avoiding overuse or unnecessary exposure.
- Product Selection – We use low-toxicity, highly targeted products designed to degrade over time rather than accumulate.
- Pet & Child Safety – We take extra precautions around pets, children, and sensitive individuals, ensuring baits and sprays are placed strategically to prevent unnecessary contact.
- Continued Education – We stay up-to-date on the latest research and advancements in pest control safety, making adjustments as needed.
Should You Be Worried?
For the vast majority of people, there are no significant long-term health risks associated with modern pest control when used responsibly. The biggest risk comes from misuse or overexposure, which is why it’s always best to leave treatments to trained professionals.
If you ever have concerns about a product or treatment, just ask! We’re happy to walk you through exactly what’s being applied, why we chose it, and any safety precautions you may need to take.
At Good Earth, your safety comes first—and that means delivering effective pest control with minimal risk and maximum peace of mind.
Have more questions? Give us a call! We’re always happy to help.
-Adam Hiddleson
