9 Ways That Garden Pesticides May Be Making Your Pest Problem Worse

Insecticides not only affect insect populations, but they can also harm animals that rely on insects for food. A single bat, for example, can eat up to 1,000 insects in just one hour. But these helpful mammals are “particularly sensitive” to pesticides, which endanger their existence. Remember: Nature is a complex, interconnected series of systems; if you eliminate one species, you can negatively impact many others. So, the next time you notice something munching on your lettuce, don't reach for an insecticide. Instead, take measures to correct conditions that can stress plants and lead to infestations, and learn about nontoxic solutions for ridding your garden of destructive bugs.