Around 1 billion pounds of conventional pesticides are sprayed and scattered each year in the United States, applied to everything from the food we eat, to the grass we walk on, to the plants in our gardens. Although invisible, many of these chemicals remain in soil and water for months or years, killing far more than just the garden pests we hope to eliminate.
The impacts are staggering. Apart from the potential harm to humans and domesticated animals, as many as 67 million wild birds may be killed every year by pesticides in the U. S., though pinpointing the exact number is difficult.
This poses a challenge for gardeners who want bountiful harvests and beautiful flowers without the harm caused by toxic pesticides. The good news is that it can be done. Keep reading to learn more about the impact of lawn pesticides on birds, how these chemicals are regulated, and how you can keep weeds at bay while maintaining a healthy, bird-friendly garden.
For starters, lets talk about what a pesticide is. Pesticides includes insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, acaricides, and any other -cide you can think of. If the intent of a product is to eliminate a pest or plant disease, its a pesticide. This includes a wide range of products, ranging from the more bird-friendly organics to the most broad and ruthless synthetics.
Thats not all. Pesticides have long-term impacts that can affect birds and other wildlife well into the future. If such effects kill birds in a place over a sustained time period, these deaths could suppress localized populations for years to come.
Bird arent the only victims of dangerous pesticides. People who work closely with these chemicals, such as farmworkers and applicators, are subject to a number of health-adverse effects, ranging from rashes to neurological damage.
All pesticides in the United States, agricultural and otherwise, are registered through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and governed by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) of 1947. FIFRA has been amended multiple times over the years to adapt to the changing toxicological landscape.
For instance, if a chemical company applies to register a new herbicide, the EPA can ask the company to examine the potential links between lawn pesticides and birds. This involves answering a series of important questions. Will it adversely affect birds? Will it adversely affect other, non-target organisms? What impact will it have if leached into streams or rivers?
Sadly, the answers to these questions often are skirted, overlooked, or inadequate. When this happens, dangerous chemicals that negatively impact birds, other wildlife, and humans can end up on store shelves.
ABC is working to ensure the EPA protects birds and people by closing regulatory loopholes, calling for more stringent testing, and canceling the registration of some of the most harmful pesticides in use. You can help protect birds by visiting our action center and telling Congress to restrict the use of dangerous pesticides.
At ABC, we recommend against using toxic pesticides due to dangers they pose to birds and the larger environment. This includes the following commonly used lawn chemicals:
Neonicotinoids More commonly known as neonics, this group of widely used systemic insecticides includes such active ingredients as imidacloprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and dinotefuran. Neonics inhibit muscle contraction in garden pests, but also a wide range of other invertebrates, including pollinators. Their high water solubility and long half-lives mean they can remain in groundwater, ponds, lakes, and streams for long periods of time. Making matters worse, neonics can be lethal to birds if ingested, even in small quantities.
Glyphosate Glyphosate is an organophosphorus herbicide common in home applications. Glyphosate leaches into groundwater and finds its way to streams and ponds where it is highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates. Birds rely heavily on aquatic invertebrates such as caddisflies and mayflies, especially when rearing chicks.
Carbaryl A member of the carbamate family of insecticides, carbaryl has been shown to have severely adverse effects on human health. Carbaryl is a commonly identified agent of harm when it comes to lawn pesticides and birds. Despite this, it is commonly employed on lawns and green spaces across the country.
Avoid systemic insecticides: These insecticides can lodge within a plants physical structure, permeating everything from the stem and leaves to pollen, nectar, and fruits. The neonicotinoid imidacloprid, for instance, is often used as a seed coating; once the plant sprouts and begins growing, it absorbs the imidacloprid and incorporates it as it develops.
Synthetic pesticides can be dangerous to human health and harmful to the very plants and animals gardeners are trying to support and attract. We recommend using non-chemical means to control pests in your garden. Check our bird-safe tips below.
Weed by Hand Removing weeds by hand allows gardeners to avoid harsh chemicals while also closely observing the progress of their plants. A regimen of early and persistent weeding can reap benefits, while feeding the compost pile, which, in turn, provides rich organic matter (natural fertilizer) for future plantings.
Use DIY Pesticides A mixture of diluted white vinegar, salt, and dish soap can be a fantastic way to rid your garden of weeds without synthetic chemicals. Lawn Love has a recipe available here.
Prevent Weeds with Corn Gluten Sprinkling corn gluten, a natural corn byproduct, on a garden can suppress the future growth of weeds without harming larger, established plants.
Get Rid of Weeds on Pavement with Boiling Water To eliminate dandelions and other weeds growing between cracks in concrete, simply douse them with boiling water! Take extra care to avoid drips, spills, and burns.
Try Organic Insecticides and Lawncare Companies When natural biological controls need a bit of a boost, consider using essential-oil-derived insecticides, such as those by Jonathan Green.
Invest in Native Plants Make your yard or green area into a bird-friendly space by planting native species that attract and support birds. You can find pollinator-friendly native plants adapted to your region with this fantastic guide from the Xerces Invertebrate Conservation Society.
In less than a single human lifetime, 2.9 billion breeding adult birds have been lost from the United States and Canada, across every ecosystem. This includes familiar birds: The Dark-eyed Junco has lost an incredible 175 million individuals from its population. The White-throated Sparrow has lost 93 million.
Scientists have identified habitat loss as the biggest overall driver of bird declines. Habitat degradation is a second cause of losses. In this case, habitat doesnt disappear outright but becomes less able to support birds, such as when habitat is fragmented or altered by invasive plants, or when water quality is compromised.
Climate change exacerbates these threats, and also creates new challenges, for example, by changing habitat distributions and shifting the timing of peak food supplies for birds.
American Bird Conservancy and our Joint Venture partners have improved conservation management on 6.4 million acres of U.S. bird habitat an area larger than the state of Maryland over the last ten years. This is a monumental undertaking, requiring the support of many, and you can help by making a gift today.
Policies enacted by Congress and federal agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have a huge impact on Americas birds. You can help shape these rules for the better by telling lawmakers to prioritize birds, bird habitat, and bird-friendly measures. To get started, visit ABCs Action Center.
Finally, dont overlook the impact you can have at home. Living a bird-friendly life can have an immediate impact on the birds around you. To learn more, visit our Bird-Friendly Life page.
More From Bird Calls Blog
Your contribution will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Act by December 31!
In the US, an estimated 1 billion pounds of conventional pesticides are sprayed and dispersed annually, covering everything from our food to the grass we walk on to the plants in our gardens. Many of these invisible chemicals kill far more than just the garden pests we want to get rid of because they linger in the soil and water for months or years.
The impacts are staggering. In addition to the possible harm that pesticides could cause to humans and domesticated animals, up to 67 million wild birds could be killed by them annually in the United S. , though pinpointing the exact number is difficult.
Gardeners who desire abundant crops and lovely blooms without the harm caused by toxic pesticides have a challenge because of this. The good news is that it can be done. Continue reading to find out more about the effects lawn pesticides have on birds, the regulations surrounding these substances, and effective ways to manage weeds in a healthy, bird-friendly garden.
For starters, lets talk about what a pesticide is. Insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, acaricides, and any other “-cide” you can think of are all considered pesticides. A product is considered a pesticide if its purpose is to eradicate a pest or plant disease. This covers a broad spectrum of goods, from the broadest and most merciless synthetics to the organics that are better for birds.
Pesticide chemicals may impact birds by:
· poisoning birds that consume coated seeds and berries or granules;
· eliminating bugs and other invertebrates that are essential to birds and their offspring;
· eliminating plants necessary to bird survival;
· bioaccumulating in prey such as fish, mammals, and other creatures, potentially transferring to raptors;
· thinning eggshells and reducing chick weight;
· and suppressing immune systems and inhibiting movement.
Thats not all. Pesticides have long-term impacts that can affect birds and other wildlife well into the future. If such effects kill birds in a place over a sustained time period, these deaths could suppress localized populations for years to come.
Bird arent the only victims of dangerous pesticides. Those who handle these chemicals frequently, like farmworkers and applicators, run the risk of developing a variety of health problems, from rashes to neurological damage.
All pesticides in the United States, agricultural and otherwise, are registered through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and governed by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) of 1947. FIFRA has been amended multiple times over the years to adapt to the changing toxicological landscape.
For example, the EPA may request that a chemical company investigate any possible connections between lawn pesticides and birds if the company wants to register a new herbicide. This involves answering a series of important questions. What effects will it have if leached into streams or rivers? Will it negatively impact birds? Will it negatively affect other, non-target organisms?
Unfortunately, the responses to these queries are frequently evaded, disregarded, or insufficient. When this occurs, hazardous substances that are harmful to humans, other wildlife, and birds may wind up on store shelves.
By closing regulatory gaps, demanding more rigorous testing, and revoked registrations for some of the most dangerous pesticides currently in use, ABC is working to ensure that the EPA protects people and birds. By visiting our action center and urging Congress to limit the use of harmful pesticides, you can contribute to the protection of birds.
At ABC, we advise against using toxic pesticides because of the risks they present to birds and the environment as a whole. This includes the following commonly used lawn chemicals:
Neonicotinoids, also referred to as “neonics,” are a class of widely used systemic insecticides that contain active ingredients like thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and clothianidin. Neonics prevent pollinators and a variety of other invertebrates, including garden pests, from contracting their muscles. They can linger for a very long time in groundwater, ponds, lakes, and streams due to their high water solubility and lengthy half-lives. Even in tiny amounts, neonics can be fatal to birds, which exacerbates the situation.
Glyphosate is a common herbicide made of organophosphorus that is used in homes. Glyphosate is extremely toxic to aquatic invertebrates and seeps into groundwater before entering ponds and streams. Aquatic invertebrates like mayflies and caddisflies are vital to birds, especially during the chick rearing process.
Carbaryl A member of the carbamate family of insecticides, carbaryl has been shown to have severely adverse effects on human health. Carbaryl is a commonly identified agent of harm when it comes to lawn pesticides and birds. Despite this, it is commonly employed on lawns and green spaces across the country.
Avoid systemic insecticides: These insecticides can lodge within a plants physical structure, permeating everything from the stem and leaves to pollen, nectar, and fruits. The neonicotinoid imidacloprid, for instance, is often used as a seed coating; once the plant sprouts and begins growing, it absorbs the imidacloprid and incorporates it as it develops.
Synthetic pesticides have the potential to be hazardous to human health as well as the very plants and animals that gardeners are attempting to attract and maintain. We advise utilizing non-chemical methods to keep pests out of your garden. Check our bird-safe tips below.
Weed by Hand: Gardeners can avoid using harsh chemicals and keep a close eye on the growth of their plants when they pull weeds by hand. Early and continuous weeding can be beneficial, as can feeding the compost pile to produce rich organic matter (natural fertilizer) for subsequent plantings.
Use DIY Pesticides A mixture of diluted white vinegar, salt, and dish soap can be a fantastic way to rid your garden of weeds without synthetic chemicals. Lawn Love has a recipe available here.
Use Corn Gluten to Stop Weeds: Adding corn gluten, a naturally occurring byproduct of corn, to a garden can stop weeds from growing in the future without damaging more mature, established plants
Remove Weeds from Pavement with Boiling Water To get rid of weeds growing between concrete cracks, like dandelions, just give them a good soaking in boiling water, being careful not to drip, spill, or burn yourself.
Try Organic Insecticides and Lawncare Companies When natural biological controls need a bit of a boost, consider using essential-oil-derived insecticides, such as those by Jonathan Green.
Invest in Native Plants: Plant native species that both attract and support birds to turn your yard or other green space into a bird-friendly area. With the help of this excellent guide from the Xerces Invertebrate Conservation Society, you can locate native plants that are suited for pollinators in your area.
Lawn pesticides arent the only threats birds face.
In less than a single human lifetime, 2. In every ecosystem, 9 billion breeding adult birds have vanished from the United States and Canada. This includes well-known birds: the population of the Dark-eyed Junco has dropped by an astounding 175 million individuals. The White-throated Sparrow has lost 93 million.
Researchers have determined that the primary cause of bird declines overall is habitat loss. Habitat degradation is a second cause of losses. In this instance, habitat doesn’t completely vanish but instead loses its ability to support birds due to factors like invasive plant species, habitat fragmentation, and declining water quality.
These dangers are made worse by climate change, which also brings forth new difficulties. For instance, it alters the distribution of habitats and the timing of the bird population’s peak food supply.
We all can do our part to protect birds.
With our joint venture partners, American Bird Conservancy, we have enhanced conservation management on six 4 million acres of U. S. over the past ten years, bird habitatan area bigger than the state of Marylandhas This is a huge project that needs everyone’s support. You can contribute by giving today.
Legislation passed by Congress and federal organizations, including the U S. The US Fish and Wildlife Service significantly affects the country’s birdlife. By requesting that lawmakers give priority to protecting birds, their habitat, and bird-friendly policies, you can influence these regulations for the better. To get started, visit ABCs Action Center.
Finally, dont overlook the impact you can have at home. Adopting a bird-friendly lifestyle can positively influence the nearby birds in no time. To learn more, visit our Bird-Friendly Life page.
| Hardy Kern is ABCs Director of Government Relations, Birds and Pesticides Campaign. |
To make sure that fertilizing your lawn is as safe as possible for the local bird populations, there are a few things to consider. First, avoid using fertilizers that contain insecticides or pesticides. If birds come into contact with these substances or eat insects or other prey that has been exposed to them, they may suffer negative effects. Second, refrain from over-fertilizing your lawn. In fact, overfertilizer can harm your grass’s health and increase the likelihood that it will draw pests, which can endanger birds. Last but not least, after applying fertilizer, make sure to remove any leftovers so that nosy birds don’t inadvertently consume them.
The good news is that birds are usually unharmed by lawn fertilizer. Although it is true that some fertilizers can be toxic to birds if consumed in large amounts, most lawn fertilizers are not used in amounts that would seriously harm birds.
You can fertilize your lawn without endangering nearby bird populations by adhering to these easy instructions. So feel free to enjoy your well-kept lawn with the knowledge that you aren’t doing any damage to your feathered companions!
Homeowners love a well-manicured lawn. A lush, green lawn is ideal for entertaining guests, dogs running around, and children playing. The key to a healthy lawn is regular fertilization. Nonetheless, some people worry that the fertilizer they apply to their lawn could negatively impact nearby wildlife, particularly birds.