One of the most ever-present toxins in our daily lives is pesticides. They are so hyper-engineered and slick these days that many are odorless, colorless, and strong enough to have residual pest-killing properties for weeks after being sprayed. Science has made some amazing progress, right? But is it really progress when the population is unknowingly being exposed to synthetic, neuro-toxic poisons?

Well that is exactly what pesticides are – synthetic toxins based on nerve gas technology from World War II. The whole idea of pesticides is that the pests are exposed to poisons at levels strong enough to kill them but low enough to not hurt humans. But what level of ‘exposure to poison’ could ever be considered safe? And these aren’t just regular poisons – they are typically neuro-toxins which affect the brain and brain function.

Yet these poisons used to kill the bugs have stopped working due to pesticide resistance. Every time pests are exposed to a synthetic pesticide, a percentage survive and pass that resistance on to the next generation. As insects multiply so quickly, before long the entire species is now resistant to that particular pesticide. So what is the pest control solution? A stronger pesticide!

Pests today are now exposed to pesticide levels more than 1000 times stronger than those used just 10 years ago which means humans, animals and the environment are too. Imagine all the places you go that use odorless, colorless poisons formulated to last months. So even if the treatment was applied two weeks ago, a mother and her developing fetus are inhaling and absorbing the poison.

Here is where it gets really scary – women exposed to pesticides while pregnant have children with lower IQs and much higher rates of learning disabilities. How about ADHD, Asthma and Autism? Pesticides are indisputably linked to both as well as Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, Cancer, etc. All of these are directly related to brain function and we know beyond any doubt that pesticides are contributing factors.

So if you or someone you know is pregnant, avoid pesticides! Ask questions about the scheduling of pest control so you can avoid the most critical exposure time right after application. Pesticides are scary if you are pregnant so be aware. Your healthy baby will grow up and thank you.

Louise Hodges is the owner of Greenbug All Natural Pest Control Products which are safe and effective pest control solutions for People, Pets, Indoors, and Outdoors. Greenbug is deadly to pests yet harmless to humans, animals and the environment.

Greenbug products kill and repel all the pests you don’t want such as Mosquitoes, Fleas, Ticks, Bed Bugs, Fire Ants, Roaches, Stink Bugs, Silverfish, Dust Mites, White Fly, Sugar Ants, etc. but cause no harm whatsoever to beneficial creatures such as butterflies, lady bugs and honey bees.

So there is a demand for Martin the Gecko’s services outside of the advertising realm. Turn a few Tuko loose in your cockroach infested home,apartment, or domicile, and if you can stand cleaning up some Tokay poop, you will have a chemical free, eco friendly way of exterminating your disease causing roaches!

The following, otherwise, very informative Philippine based web site claims to buy your Gecko, Tuko, Toko, Tokay or Gekko for 1 Million Pesos! This, of course, is advertising hype/prevarication. The average selling price for a healthy Gekko lizard is around 40,000 Philippine Pesos or 900 USD. Most Tuko buyers want a healthy lizard over 400 grams. Many Filipinos hunt for this high demand lizard and capture them at weights from 200 grams to 700 grams. Toko do not like to be handled and are best transported in a hollow bamboo pipe.

Know the exact weight of your hollow bamboo pipe which will make it less traumatic on the the Tuko when it comes time to weigh him. Caring for for a Toko is not easy as they prefer to drink water droplets sprayed on to their cages. They eat locusts, grasshoppers, and various worms. Wear thick gloves when handling Tokay as they have been labeled the pit bull of the lizard kingdom sometimes biting and refusing to let go!.

Also be wary of scamsters who claim that Tuko can cure HIV/AIDS or alcoholism. There is evidence that parts of the Tuko can cure certain types of cancer and allergies.

Closing with a slightly off topic comment, did you know that Martin the Geico Gecko gets his name from the Martin Advertising Agency that created the Gecko commercials in 1999 during the Screen Actors Guild strike that prevented the use of live human actors! So Geico settled for a lizard mascot and, well, the rest is history!

No, the fact is that professional exterminators are also going green. They are using the most eco friendly and safe methods possible to remove pests from your home.

Many people tend to ignore the problem of pests hoping it will go away. This is a mistake because while you do nothing the pests are very active. They will us this time to multiply in rapid numbers and destroy your home. There are several specific pests you need to be on the lookout for in your home.

Wood destroying insects like carpenter bees and termites are some of the most destructive. They will enter your home and chew away at it’s foundation. In order to determine if you have termites, before falling through the floor, you can look for their signs. Dirt on wood around your home’s foundation is a sign there are termites in there eating away. If you knock on the wood and hear a hollow sound you may have termites. You wood, when struck, should sound very solid. A professional will place baits in strategic areas around your home.

Stinging insects can invade the property around your home and your home. Yellow jackets and wasps can be very dangerous, even fatal, to people allergic to their stings. If you have a child who is allergic to these stings you may not be aware of the allergy until it is too late. Professional exterminators will find the nest and the colony on your property and safely insect a substance into the nest to eliminate the insects.

Other pests you will want to watch for are ants. These insects are extremely annoying. You will find them in your home around your food and the baseboards in your home. It is necessary for a professional to discover where the ants are entering your home. Ants usually hide their queen and it will take a professional to discover them. Once found, the whole colony can be eliminated.

Homeowners can do many things to help avoid infestation. This in itself is eco friendly. By being vigilant and taking a few actions you will eliminate the need for any chemicals, even safe ones, to be used in your home.

Homeowners will want to seal all cracks in the foundation of their home. Many pests enter homes through these cracks. Keeping all food securely sealed is also important. Many insects, like cockroaches, are attracted to the glue used to seal food packages. By transferring packaged items into reusable, sealable containers you can extend the life of the item and keep the bugs at bay.

Even with diligence a homeowner may discover insects in his home. Fortunately, they can be easily and safely eliminated if they are discovered before they cause harm. When looking for an exterminator be sure to ask about their eco friendly products.