Title: PI-103/PI140: Why do we use pesticides?
Headings: 
Why do we use pesticides? 1
Introduction
The Balancing Act of Risk vs. Benefit
Health Benefits
Agricultural Benefits
Environmental Benefits
Structural Benefits
Rights-of-Way Benefits
Trade Commodity Benefits
Recreational Benefits
Summary
Additional Information

Content: Other insect-vectored diseases have had dramatic impacts on world history, including Bubonic Plague. Vectored by fleas, that disease was responsible for reducing Europe's population by one third during the Middle Ages. Typhus, a disease vectored by lice, is thought to have been a major reason why Napoleon's 1812 invasion of Russia failed. These are but a few examples of vectoring insects at least partially controlled with insecticides today. Agricultural Benefits
American agricultural producers are producing more food and fiber on less land than ever in history and pesticides are partly responsible. Never has American agriculture been so efficient. When catastrophic natural disasters strike suddenly, such as the 2004 Asian Tsunami or the 2005 Kashmir Earthquake, the US is a first responder in relief efforts. Why? A major reason is that our agricultural producers are so efficient and our country has an abundant and safe food supply. Furthermore, controlling pests in feed and forage has encouraged a more efficient means of livestock production.