Did you know that lawn spray has been found on 70% of pets up to 8 days after application? Find out more about allergic reactions and the dangers of pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides on the studies below. Learn alternatives to safely manage weeds see below.
Your lawn isn’t the only place you maybe exposed to dangerous chemicals. Check out the Environmental Working Group’s great links for keeping your children, pets and your home safe from toxins. Consider testing for toxic chemicals in your body at BNHC.
Information and Studies about Pets and Lawn Chemicals:
Detection of herbicides in the urine of pet dogs following home lawn chemical application.
Helpful Links
Rutgers Organic Land Care Manual
Other Pesticide Resources
Pesticide Action Network In the U.S., one of every two men and one of every three women are likely to develop cancer over the course of a lifetime — and pesticides are part of the reason why.
DIY Weed Spray –by Dr. Becker published in Planet Paws
“This DIY home spray is very effective at killing foliage (all plants) so it’s important to make sure it only contacts the weeds you want to kill (as it will also kill grass). Also note vinegar that is 10-20% acetic acid means it’s much stronger than regular vinegar, which is why it’s so effective for killing foliage. The essential oils add a serious extra kick for pesky weeds, but there are some cautions to be aware of before mixing up this potent brew: I recommend wearing protective gloves and eyewear (vinegar burns if you accidently get it on your skin) and if you’re sensitive to smells, a mask is also smart. Mix the three ingredients in a well-ventilated area and store in a heavy duty, non-corrosive container (the solution will dissolve cheaper plastic spray bottles quickly).
Recipe:
- 1 quart vinegar, 10-20% acetic acid also known as Horticultural Vinegar (found online at Nature’s Wisdom, or try The North End Organic Nursery for a local source.)
- 1 oz Orange essential oil
- 0.5 oz Cinnamon essential oil
Spray weeds directly with solution in the heat of the day, in direct sunshine, preferably when temperatures are above 70 degrees. The solution works best when the soil is dry, so don’t apply it the day rain is forecasted.
Keep pets off of sprayed areas until dry (as solution can be irritating to skin). This nontoxic weed killer is super effective, but won’t harm the earth or the animals contacting the weeds after it dries. Happy spraying, and here’s to green, non-toxic lawns.”