Think Twice Before Using Pesticides
Identify the problem before you spray, squash or stomp. Most Bugs are Good. Only about 5 percent of the bugs in your yard are pests. Good bugs actually help control pests.
Start with Prevention
- Build healthy soil with compost and mulch.
- Select pest-resistant plants, and plant them in the sun and soil onditions they like.
- Remove diseased plants and compost dead plants to reduce the number of hiding places.
- Pull weeds before they go to seed and spread.
- Use a variety of plants; if pests attack one plant, others can fill its place.
Accept a Little Damage
Nature may control it for you, or plants may just outgrow the damage. If a Pest or Weed Problem Persists, use the Least-Toxic Solution.
- Use physical controls, repellants and long-handled weed pullers.
- Mulch once a year to reduce weeds in beds.
- Use less-toxic products, such as soaps, horticultural oils and plant-based insecticides.
Replace Problem Plants with Pest or Disease-Resistant ones
If a plant or tree has a chronic or recurring insect pest or disease problem, it's time to remove it and replace it with a more tolerant variety or another type of plant.
Avoid using 'Weed & Feed' Products and Other Pesticides
'Weed & Feed'-type products have been identified as a number one priority for education, many people are not aware that they are a pesticide. Their sales peak each spring and they are often used as a fertilizer rather than as a pesticide.
According to the United States Geological Surve,y (USGS), 16 pesticides have been detected in urban streams in the Northwest US at levels that exceed standards set to protect aquatic life. The chemical 2,4D is one of these pesticides and it is a component of 'Weed & Feed' products.
Overuse of these products also can damage soil and plant health. Studies have found increased health risks among families that use lawn and garden pesticides, especially among pets and children.