In the United States each year, pest-borne diseases and attacks by pests themselves still account for hundreds of deaths, thousands of serious disabling illnesses and injuries, and millions of episodes of illness and injury serious enough to require medical attention. Without the deliberate human intervention, nature would rapidly eradicate the world's food producing capacity and unleash plagues of long-forgotten virulence. In short, huge numbers of people would suffer and die.
Pesticides provide three important benefits. The make possible an abundant supply of food at reasonable prices. They are the first line of defense against food shortages. And they protect health by stopping pest-transmitted diseases and sanitizing food handling and health facilities. Properly used, pesticides improve the environment for desirable plants, domestic animals, and human survival.
Without insecticides for pest control, termiticides for termite control, rodenticides for rat and mouse control, herbicides and fungicides our world would not be a pleasant place in which to live.
