TEMPEST, I am aware of the technical difference between a herbicide and a pesticide. But thankyou for pointing that out.



However...Since Roundup has such a negative effect on small herps I really didn't think the difference mattered on this forum. As to it's Biodegradability...That is irrelevent as it acts as a contact poison, as the damage occurs when the herps are exposed to the spray or climb and feed on the leaves shortly after spraying.



Hebicides are major killers of herps as was illustrated to me in 1984 when Broward county sprayed herbicides (to kill Hydrilla-a pest plant)in the canals in West Davie. This area was famous (to collectors) as an area so rich in Kings (Florida) that you could see one on any given day about every hundred feet along the Hiatus Rd. canal.



The result of the spraying was immediatly evident. Obviously the plants died (but also all the vegetation on the banks which increased erosion. The clear canal water became muddy and all rooted vegetation died so the canal eventually became algae covered. Since the Kings lived in old turtle holes in the banks, the increased erosion burried their homes and egg clutches. All species of reptile disappeared (except anoles) for a while. There was a major fish kill and the turtles disappeared.



After ten years the only herp I found was one sickly garter and in the canal I observed numerous small fish with tumors. Since then the area has fallen victim to Developement but the damage had ben done so effectivly that the County ended up putting chemical pollution warning signs on some of the canals.



As to the pesticides ou mentioned. I have worked with all of them as I used to work for Terminix and Chemlawn. They are another nightmare for herps.



My point to this is if you are looking for a chemical solution to a "Snake" problem..the cure can be much worse than the so calle problem.



Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

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