With the bad tick season we’ve been having, some pest control companies are seizing the moment. At least one company has been sending out teams of salespeople to go door-to-door through neighborhoods to convince people to purchase their anti-tick lawn treatments. (I’ve received two home solicitations.)

The problem is, some of the salespeople are peddling bad info — like the claim that the pesticides they use only kill ticks or only kill mosquitoes, and that they’re safe for humans and pets. In fact, there is always some risk, experts say, especially if people use synthetic, broad-spectrum treatments. There’s even risk with more natural remedies because they can trigger allergic reactions.

The applications that are broad-spectrum are just that — they kill other bugs besides ticks or mosquitos, including bees and beneficial insects. Plus, repeated application can build up resistance in mosquitoes, so if there’s ever an emergency with a mosquito-borne disease, we could be in trouble.

Another problem: the salespeople I’ve spoken with have been a bit pushy, kind of like the pests they’re trying to eradicate. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office sent out an advisory in late May after it received calls from county residents complaining about the pest companies’ approach.

My main concern is that with declining insect populations, we need to educate people about the choices they’re making for their lawns, as they could affect the environment and possibly their health.

Rebecca Goldfine
West Bath