As early as 10,000 BC, the human race understood the importance of controlling weeds in an agricultural environment. Weed control began with simple hand weeding, but proved extremely ineffective. Innovative means of control were discovered, but many of them were ahead of their time and did not become standard practice. Thousands of years later, in 1000 BC, animals were finally domesticated and used to improve crop fields. It was not until the 20th century that pest control practices were changed and began to advance at a rapid pace. Mechanical tools appeared in the 1920s, followed by biological controls in the 1930s and chemical controls in the 1940s. Although chemicals were effective in eradicating countless pests, they gradually became subject to dismantling. scrutiny and speculation over time. Pesticides became a predominant practice to control nuisances in the mid-20th century. In 2012, the EPA estimated that 5.2 billion pounds of pesticides were used worldwide, 40% of which were herbicides (Pesticide News Story, 2011). History records the use of chemicals to control weeds, but it is only in recent years that we have begun to understand and evaluate their impacts. The use of pesticides dates back to 1000 BC, when the Greek poet Homer described the use of pesticides. sulfur to deter pests (Some Pesticides, 2013). Since then, we have found other documents proving the use and experimentation of chemical compounds. They include amurca, salts (including copper sulfate and sodium arsenate), and hemlock and lupine flowers. Over time, man's ability to use organic chemicals has also evolved. In 1904 petroleum oils were used to control weeds along irrigation ditches, in 1906 carbon disulfide was used to control herbicides, we will have the ability to promote sustainable products. agriculture and preserving the natural beauty of the Earth. Since the creation of synthetic chemicals in the 1940s, we have made enormous progress in understanding the chemical drift, pollution, resistance and health risks associated with herbicides and their chemical compositions. Additionally, we have learned to harness the skills associated with herbicides and have used them to benefit the world to grow the agricultural industry, facilitate weed management at home, preserve native lands in rangelands and forests and manage weeds in public spaces. Even though herbicides receive many negative reviews, they will continue to play a role in our lives in order to perpetuate all these practices. Until herbicides can be replaced with something equally effective but with lower risks, they are here to stay..