2/24/2004: Pesticide spraying in Java

I was struck by this recent MSNBC pick. In our modern world, this would be a terrible violation of our rights. In Java, in poverty, getting rid of a disease means getting rid of the insects that spread it, and it looks like there's little choice in the matter.

I guess sometimes the firm hand of an authority is needed to prevent a spreading pestilence, even if it seems on the face of it to be a violation. This woman's grandchildren may get cancer in 20 years, but she and her family won't be wiped out this year.

Violation of rights? The whole DC area is sprayed for mosquitos/caterpillars, etc most summers. Pesticides fill the air in any farming area. The victim of a termite infestation (or their insurance) must have an exterminator over, or risk lawsuits from neighbors.

But the poor guy ought to have some sort of gas mask, and the family should be told to stay away for a while.

Hell, that's what I'm like when I see one little cockroach in my place, I spray it to death (until it's all white a foamy) then squash it before it runs away, I'm satisfied then.
I Hate any creepy crawly especially spiders.

Sydney is inundated with these horrible little critters. I just keep spraying and doing my bit for the ozone. I only have little ones, (not many but enough to make me puke). Some people have the huge flying ones the size if a hand.
It's the heat that brings them out. All insect sprays are selling quickly at supermarkets. Good industry to be in.

Actually, DDT is a benefactor of all humanity. It's just bad for the coastal birds like the Bald Eagle. DDT is a great way to stop hundreds of thousands of people dying from malaria each year. It doesn't harm humans (when used properly.) Don't misunderstand, I'm glad it was banned. It is pretty harmful to sea birds. But it was great for humans.

As for government spraying being a violation of our rights: that's just crazy talk. I remember as a kid in the late 1970s, we had a huge problem with dutch elm disease. Trucks would drive through the neighborhoods at night when people were inside and spray the shit out of all the trees in the neighborhood. That's not to mention all the spreying for skeeters that happend then and happens now. It's one of the few good gov't programs.

Just shore birds??

Does a number on important microorganisms too, like algae and plankton.

That looks like a real gas.

Microsoft should learn how to debug from these guys.

I've got a fogger like that one. We use it for photo shoots in outdoor areas that need a lot of fog. It uses some kind of 2 cycle engine that superheats the fogger juice and probels it out. It's REAL LOUD but it puts out a lot of fog. We don't use insecticide but some kind of non lethal fog juice from Hollywood.

That's not a bug. It's an undocumented feature!

I'm in Utah. I have 44 ounces of caffienated love on my desk. I agree though...Brazil sounds pretty damn amazing. Has anyone been to "Fiesta" in San Antonio? I'm heading down there for business in April during Fiesta...just curious if I need to pack some bead necklaces...

I lived in NYC for a couple of years...too may cockroaches to begin describing. I was too poor to buy Insect Killer...resorted to the ol' hairspray and a lighter technique.

Buenos Roaches.

40 years ago the cockroaches in Boston were very genteel. If you turned on a light they would excuse themselves and retire to inside the walls.

Quote:

Originally posted by xoxoxoBruce Great White believed that too.

Yes, Bruce. I am shocked - SHOCKED, I tell you - that you would stoop to such an insensitive joke. This is supposed to be a family board!

All kidding aside. Here in the great state of SC, we have fire ants. Supposedly they have a pesticide that'll work. So Clemson U has said. But because they cover 5-6 southern states. It would have to done all at the same time.
Those things are a real nuisance. Take them back to South American please! I'm also allergic to them.