Pesticides FAQ
The word pesticides refers to the entire group of chemicals used to repel, control or eradicate any pest. The EPA defines a pest as “an undesirable organism that injures humans, desirable plants and animals, manufactured products, or natural substances.” Weeds, especially noxious weeds and invasive plants, are considered pests. Pesticide businesses can, of course, decide what they choose as their focus, and there are many categories which allow us to specialize in what—and where—we treat. Technically, a company that provides pool treatment services will also be a pesticide business, but their focus is category 24.
As of September 2026, I am certified in the following categories:
- Category 10: Rights-of-Ways and Weeds
- Category 23: Schools & Parks
In the near future, I plan on obtaining additional certifications as needed, including category 5 (Forest pest control), 6 (Ornamental and shade trees), and 18 (Demonstration & Research).
Pennsylvania requires all registered pesticide businesses to be insured—including coverage for pesticide applications—prior to obtaining their license. Simply passing the certification isn’t enough. If one obtains a commercial pesticide applicator certification, this certification is placed on hold until they are either hired by a licensed pesticide business or start their own. Do not accept work from anyone who only has their certification without a pesticide business license – they are highly unlikely to be properly insured.
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So am I! Some do, some don’t. Most of the herbicide labels that I’ve seen have something included about the effect that they have on bees. Of course, this is typically in reference to honeybees (which are not native to the US), but if it harms them, one can safely assume it’s not good for other pollinators, either. If I believe that using an herbicide is the best and only course of action, I then spend a lot of time researching and reading labels to make sure that I choose the best herbicide for the job that also has the least harmful impact on beneficial insects.
I spend a lot of time researching the pest that needs to be treated. This can include anything from reading the most up-to-date research papers on controlling that particular species, anecdotal experiences from others who have treated that same species, information provided by credible sources including DCNR, and reading the labels themselves. Sometimes I find that the best pesticide for the job is one that I am not comfortable using, either because it is not suitable for the site I need to treat or due to potential residual effects or risk of harm to the environment. Just like when a doctor chooses which medication to treat their patients, I am doing my best to choose the one in which the benefits outweigh the risks.
I completely understand, and for many years, I was strongly opposed to the use of any chemicals. Things changed when I realized that I was fighting a losing battle. There are many like myself who had to learn how to make peace with chemicals as a valuable tool to fight invasive species. Nowadays, I consider it chemotherapy for the land. You might think that chemotherapy is also an oxymoron; after all, it involves the use of poisons to save lives. And yet, thanks to chemotherapy, we have saved countless human lives over the years. Invasive species are the cancer that plague our ecosystems, and sometimes the only feasible way to control them is with the use of poisons.
For the same reason that you don’t take antibiotics to treat a cold. Chemicals are not only not always necessary, they’re also not always well suited for the job at hand. With something like garlic mustard (pictured above), taking the time to pull flowering plants in early May is just as effective as spraying the plants; however you don’t risk accidentally spraying desirable plants in the process. Sometimes the populations are so scattered and sparse, pulling or digging takes less time and effort. Sometimes the species are much easier to control with mechanical means (like English ivy), and are much harder to control with the use of chemicals (due to their waxy coating). It really comes down to what it is that you’re fighting. If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the invasive species on your property, I can help you come up with an IVM plan so you know what to do and when to do it.
IVM stands for integrated vegetation management, a derivative of the acronym IPM, which stands for integrated pest management. According to the EPA, “Integrated pest management is a balanced, tactical approach to pest control.” It defines ways to anticipate pest outbreaks and prevent pest damage” IVM, like IPM, helps to preserve and promote a healthy, balanced ecosystem, only uses chemicals as a last resort, and helps to save money by implementing practical solutions to invasive plant management before they become an expensive problem.
Sort-of, and sometimes! The use of native plants to help control the spread of invasive species is one of the components of IVM. In fact, chemical use is only one of five methods used to control invasive plants, the others being biological control, cultural control, mechanical/physical control and regulatory control. IPM also includes genetic control; however, I’ve only seen this method applied to other types of organisms, like releasing sterile male mosquitos to mate with females to reduce populations. Using native plants to control the spread of invasive species is a form of biological control. That being said, both based on research as well as my own experiences, aiming for high diversity in your native garden (and planting densely) will be more effective at keeping invasive species at bay rather than aiming for a monoculture of any one particular plant. This makes it much more difficult for an invasive plant to move in. You should still stay on top of weeding out seedlings when you see them (which is a form of mechanical control).
I do not use any sort of insecticides on my plants. Cultivating a native garden has provided me with all the pest control that I could possibly need. For those who are curious, I heard that neonicotinoids may be banned entirely in the near future.