The first organophosphate and carbamate pesticides were developed in the 1940s. Birds are exposed through inhalation, absorption through the skin, or by eating treated seeds or berries, vegetation, pesticide granules, or poisoned insects. Poisoned birds often exhibit signs of nervous-system overload, including paralysis, excessive mucus secretion, diarrhea, and respiratory distress. Young children are particularly vulnerable to exposure to organophosphate and carbamate pesticides. In humans, overexposure can cause rapid heartbeat, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, abdominal cramps, wheezing, chest tightness, throat spasms, and, in severe cases, death by respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.
Residues can last more than two weeks on vegetables.
For aphids, use ladybugs and lacewings, both of which are readily available by mail order. You can also hose down infected plants with water. Try insecticidal soaps, superior oils, summer oil, or synthetic pyrethrum for aphids, leafminers, sawflies, and thrips. The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, is effective on caterpillars but also kills beneficial moths and butterflies, so be careful how you apply it. Available in granules, sprays, and powders.