It is finally Spring, after what feels like a long winter along the Willamette. Trees are flowering, and the green is returning to the landscape both urban and rural. Other forms of life are emerging as well, from spiders and ants, to slugs and bees. Many of us begin to garden, working on our yards, and enjoying the sunshine. Along with this activity you may witness weeds in your yard, and other plants that may be  undesirable. Taken together, weeds and a variety of species in our world are problematic for a lot of people. In response, a vast industry has been long-established to kill things that people don't want to see, or encounter. 

The pesticide industry has become gigantic in relation to our homes, making all manner of chemical agents to eliminate unwanted or unpleasant things, from weeds to ants. Of course the same is true of rural landscapes, and the use of pesticides in agriculture, but in urban/suburban areas chemical agents are also frequently used, and are known to harm native species, and even human health.

	Northern Red-legged Frog, Freshwaters Illustrated

A great example of what we know today was published last year by the USGS. It is a study of urban/suburban creeks in Clackamas County. The study sampled creek sediment and water, and screened it for a variety of pesticides. In some cases, the creeks were rich with chemicals created to kill "pests." Most of them were related to retail products purchased by homeowners and lawn and garden care companies. 

People buy products to kill insects or weeds, and when it rains the chemical is carried to the local creek where it can harm native species. One of the most pervasive chemicals applied to the land and found in our creeks is Bifenthrin. This is the chief ingredient to kill a variety of insects. Unfortunately, Bifenthrinis also known to harm native amphibians. Other pesticides were present as well, and the creeks with the highest levels had the fewest native aquatic species. 

I went to a large "home related" store this week, and was bombarded with advertisements for numerous pesticides. I took a look at a featured product, and Bifenthrin was the chief ingredient. The product sought to encourage people to "Defend" their homes against these invaders. Many of us have become far too accustomed to buying such products, and spraying them seemingly everywhere, without considering the very real risks of applying and spreading such toxic products. 

Having worked on the Willamette for nearly 17 years, I've seen the studies related to pesticides and home use, read the literature, and concluded this is a very real issue for aquatic life, and it can also impact human health. As the flowers continue to bloom and the plants and insects become more vibrant, think about how you manage you home or lawn. Are there other ways to deal with unwanted insects or plants? There is a plethora of information online about alternatives to pesticides. Lets move forward and set an example. Talk to your neighbors when you see them spraying and ask the what they are using. That can lead to a good conversation about effective, non-toxic alternatives.

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