![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Top Stories
Pestered by pests?
It is easier to prevent pests than to control them, but if ants, cockroaches or worst yet, rodents, already invaded your house then it is time to consider your battle plan. But before you spend money stocking up on pesticides ask yourself these very important questions:
- Do you know what kind of pest you are up against?
- Recognizing that some insects are beneficial to your lawn and garden, do you need to get rid of all of them?
- Is anyone in your home known to be particularly sensitive to chemicals?
If you want to effectively control pests, you first need to properly indentify them. Collect a small specimen and look it up on the Internet or use free library books. Your local nursery or Cooperative Extension Service may also be able to help. Once you know what you are dealing with, you may find that there are non-toxic control alternatives that can work just as effectively as chemicals.
Completely eliminating pests outside your home may not be reasonable. Recent articles estimate that there are likely over eight million different species of insects on Earth. If that sends shivers down your spine, consider that some insects are essential to maintaining the balance of life. Honey bees, for example, are critical to agricultural production of crops and fruits. Instead of eradication, think prevention by removing breeding sites, hiding areas, and food and water sources.
Young children and pets are very susceptible to accidental poisoning and chemical exposure, so you want to ensure proper, safe application and storage at all times.
If you must use pesticides, follow these tips:
- Store chemicals safely out of the reach of children or pets.
- Apply pesticides only during calm, windless days.
- Apply pesticides only as instructed on the label. Don't assume that twice as much is better. This also applies to organic pesticides.
- Never water your lawn after applying pesticides as this can lead to polluting nearby waterways and harming wildlife.
- Choose the right pesticide product and only buy what you need. This will also save you money.
- Leave pesticides in their original container and never transfer them to a different container.
- Don't use empty pesticide containers to store anything else.
- Dispose of leftover pesticides and pesticide containers properly. Never dispose of chemicals by pouring them down a drain or outdoors. Household hazardous waste collection centers accept leftover chemicals and containers.