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My nine-year-old daughter can identify every toad in our yard by species. These toads have become so accustomed to being caught that they seem to tolerate their little adventures with a resigned attitude. They stare blankly at my kids as if to say, “Oh, it’s that pink-monkey alien again.” Once safely in hand, they are treated to an abundance of worms that my children dig up from the rich soil. The toads enjoy this feast and don’t hop away. I often sit on my front porch, sipping coffee, while watching my kids interact with these creatures. The mornings are filled with the sounds of chirping cardinals, squawking sparrows, and melodious wrens. We cherish our toads and birds, which is why we choose not to spray pesticides in our yard, unlike many others in our state.
Some may think we’re crazy. Even my mother-in-law has expressed her doubts.
I try to explain my reasoning. Amphibians are highly sensitive to toxins. If we start spraying for mosquitoes, we risk harming our beloved toads, and I would no longer see those tiny baby toadlets hopping along our sidewalk in late spring. We would also jeopardize Spigot Frog, the treefrog that lives near our garden spigot, whose loud croaks fill the air whenever it’s damp (which is often in our previously malarial swamp). The Big Green Treefrogs, which stick to our windows at night, might frighten some, but I find them adorable.
Using pesticides would not only eliminate mosquitoes but also wipe out other insects. While many may think that’s not a problem, it is crucial for our local bird population. An astonishing 96% of birds depend solely on insects to feed their young. This year, we’ve seen doves building nests in our carport and cardinals nesting by our trampoline, and those are just the ones we can observe. Each morning, cardinals, sparrows, wrens, and thrushes scour our yard for bugs. If we resorted to pesticides, these lovely birds would vanish.
Pesticides would also harm lizards and bees, which are already in decline and desperately need our protection. The negative impact of pesticides is extensive.
Living with mosquitoes is a must for us. They may be annoying neighbors, but luckily ours don’t carry malaria or yellow fever. Still, their bites can be relentless and can transmit diseases like West Nile and Zika. By late June, we’ve become so accustomed to their bites that they barely swell and disappear within minutes. We even compare which bites are worst—on the palm, the foot, or the armpit.
Although many people might find this situation intolerable, we have made our peace with it. We regularly use lemon eucalyptus-based insect repellent, which is nearly as effective as 98.1% DEET. I stumble outside each morning, spraying myself and my children, so we often smell like lemon eucalyptus. We also use mosquito netting over our hammock and pool to create a more comfortable environment.
Despite the inconvenience, most of our neighbors opt for pesticides. Their primary concern is cost, as mosquito control solutions—like netting and sprays—can be pricey. However, they end up spending more in the long run compared to our yearly supplies.
Many people simply don’t want to deal with bugs. I understand that frustration, as I sit on my porch and swat at them. But according to Scientific American, North America has lost three billion birds since 1970. Yes, you read that correctly—three billion. Pesticides have significantly contributed to this decline, and while agricultural pesticides are largely to blame, backyard pesticides certainly play a role.
I refuse to add to that staggering number.
We’re all aware of the declining bee population, and we must do everything we can to protect them. Even small doses of commonly used pesticides can confuse bees, preventing them from returning to their hives, or even kill them outright. One of my children has severe allergies to bee stings, so we maintain a strict no-kill policy regarding wasps. However, I will not harm bees if I can avoid it.
I also want to preserve butterflies, moths, and even the not-so-pleasant red-sided millipedes my kids enjoy picking up. The adorable bronze skinks in our yard also depend on insects for their survival. Most importantly, there’s Trashcan Anoele, who has lived on our supercan for years; without insects, he would struggle to survive just like Mailbox Anoele and Shutter Frog.
My kids deserve to experience nature as fully as possible. While we don’t have expansive woodlands, we must be responsible stewards of our environment. If we want them to enjoy catching toads, butterflies, and fireflies—and to see hummingbirds—we cannot use pesticides.
So yes, I may smell like lemon eucalyptus, but the wrens flitting around my yard provide a sweet soundtrack to our outdoor adventures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the benefits of avoiding pesticides?
- How can I protect my garden without chemicals?
- What are natural alternatives to pesticides?
- Why are bees important to our ecosystem?
- How do I create a wildlife-friendly yard?
In summary, the decision to refrain from using pesticides is rooted in a desire to protect the delicate balance of our local ecosystem. By allowing nature to thrive, we not only preserve the wildlife that enriches our lives but also contribute to the greater good of our environment.
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