Creepy crawlers. If you're like most people,
your first reaction is to douse those suckers with spray.
Not a good idea. In addition to killing offending bugs,
the overuse of pesticides harms helpful insects and animals.
Plus when these chemicals show up in our lakes and streams,
the water supply is at risk. So how do you get pests to
bug off? Sometimes a non-chemical method of control is
just as effective as a chemical alternative. And for the
less squeamish, a good old fashioned swat or stomp helps.
H2O
Tips
Avoid killing everything.
Use the most species selective pesticide
available.
Don't improvise. Follow
instructions and use only the amount
necessary. Doubling the mix doesn't
double the effectiveness.
Never mix or store pesticides
near a water source or well.
Don't apply outdoor pesticides
when rain is forecast.
Use botanical deterrents
like Pyrethrum or Rotenone - they
break down quickly and don't leave
a residue.
Go natural and use ladybugs
and nematodes to help control certain
garden pests.
Take unused pesticides
to approved disposal sites. Never
pour them down a storm drain or toilet.
Don't over water your
lawn and create runoff that carries
fertilizer and pesticides into storm
drains.
Save water and avoid the
necessity of fungicides by watering
only as needed.
How to make insecticide soap: Mix one teaspoon
of dishwashing liquid with a gallon of water.
Pour in spray bottle and mist plants.
