The Environment Department has also called on Islanders to use natural alternatives such as cutting back or removing weeds by hand rather than using weed killers and pesticides.
Pesticides, which are designed to kill insects, and herbicides, which are used to eradicate weeds, are approved for use by farmers, and in more diluted quantities in domestic gardens, but the department says that they must be used with care.
Environment’s pesticide adviser Steve Thompson said: ‘There are circumstances in which the correct use of pesticides can be beneficial, but the department would encourage anyone considering using or employing someone else to use pesticides to think about whether that’s the right approach, or whether there are other methods available to achieve the same result.’
Mr Thompson added that it was important that farmers and members of the public apply the chemicals according to manufacturers’ instructions. These include following the recommended dose, wearing protective clothing and not using chemicals in any way which poses a risk to pets or wildlife. In addition, pesticides must not be applied if there is a risk of spray drifting on the wind or running off into water courses.
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