As early as 10,000 BC the human race understood the importance of weed control in an agricultural environment. Weed control began with simple manual weeding, but this proved to be extremely inefficient. Innovative means of control were discovered, but many of them were ahead of their time and did not become common practice. Thousands of years later, in 1000 BC, the animals were finally domesticated and used as a means of improving cultivated fields. It wasn't until the 20th century that pest control practices were modified and began to advance rapidly. Mechanical instruments emerged in the 1920s, followed by biological controls in the 1930s and chemical controls in the 1940s. Although the chemicals are effective in eradicating countless pests, they have gradually gained attention and speculation over time. Pesticides became a predominant practice for controlling 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 bears witness to the use of chemicals to control weeds, but it is only in recent years that we have begun to understand and evaluate their impact. The use of pesticides dates back to 1000 BC when the Greek poet Homer described the use of sulfur to deter pests (Some Pesticides, 2013). Since that time we have found other documents demonstrating the use and testing of chemical compounds. They include amurca, salts (including copper sulfate and sodium arsenate), and hemlock and lupine flowers. As time passed, man's ability to use organic chemicals also increased. In 1904 petroleum oils were used to control weeds along irrigation canals, in 1906 carbon disulfide was used to control herbicides, we will be given the opportunity to promote sustainable agriculture and preserve the natural beauty of Earth. Since the creation of synthetic chemicals in the 1940s, we have made tremendous 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 expertise associated with herbicides and used it to benefit the world to boost the agricultural industry, provide easier weed management at home, preserve native lands in rangelands and forests, and manage weeds in public areas. Although herbicides receive a lot of negative reviews, they will continue to play a role in our lives to support all of these practices. Until herbicides are replaced with something equally effective but with less risk, they are here to stay.