Bugged by bug-killing services

To the Community:

Have you ever read Silent Spring by Rachel Carson?

Even if you haven’t, I hope you will consider unsubscribing from your mosquito control service. The pesticides used by these services are broad, not only killing mosquitoes and ticks, but also fireflies, butterflies, moths, etc. I’ve noticed fewer of all these insects since I’ve noticed more mosquito control signs. I can’t remember the last time I saw a ladybug.

Now scientists are telling us that almost all birds are rapidly declining in population, as Carson forecast in her 1962 classic, which warned about the dangers of indiscriminate use of pesticides. Fewer insects mean less food. While other factors are at work, this is one that you have some control over.

There are many ways to deal with mosquitoes. They are weak flyers, so keeping a fan nearby while sitting on the patio keeps them away. There are citronella candles, topical repellents with and without DEET, and wearable repellent pods. Ticks are a little harder to protect against, so you need to do tick checks, but you should keep doing tick checks anyway because your pest control may not be 100%, especially if your neighbors don’t use it.

Swarthmore has a green sensibility — just look at all the trees! Please join us in our quest for a healthy environment and opt for less broad and toxic ways of dealing with pests.

Robin Schaufler
Swarthmore