Best Management Practices for Using Pesticides and Fertilizers

Prevention is the key to sustainable pest management. Just like us, pests need food, water, and shelter to survive and thrive, so eliminating access to those items in your home and garden will help prevent unwanted guests.

Check out these EPA tips for preventing pests at home, which include:

• Removing sources of food.
• Sealing openings, cracks, and crevices.
• Preventing water accumulation.

Get to know your common household and garden pests and how to prevent them from invading your space. Regular monitoring for pests can nip infestations in the bud.

Choose native, climate appropriate plants that are resilient to pests, disease and fungus. With proper care (seasonal water, sunlight, and nutrients) these plants require little or no pesticides.

Better yet, choose plants that attract beneficial insects that will prey on pests, which combined with proper care will help prevent pests.

Reduce mosquito breeding around your home by eliminating common sources of water.