Landscaping practices have a large impact on the environment and local waterways. Excess use of chemicals, including pesticides and fertilizers can pollute our streams, rivers, and lakes, and also cause harm to people, pets, wildlife, and beneficial insects (like bees and butterflies). Larger animals like birds, amphibians, and small mammals may ingest an insect exposed to pesticides and become ill. Pesticides are also unsafe for children and pets to be around, as the chemicals could pose a variety of health issues from contact or accidental ingestion.
What can you do to ensure you are properly using pesticides?
- The most important thing to remember is to follow the pesticide label instructions exactly. Improper use of pesticides is against the law, and following the label’s instructions is the only safe way to use pesticides.
- Learn which pesticide is best to use for your specific application and only buy that kind.
- Purchase only the amount of pesticide you need. If you have leftover pesticide after use, either dispose of it properly at a hazardous waste event or store it in a sturdy, leak-free container in a safe indoors area.
- Only use pesticides in needed areas in your lawn or garden and avoid applying on the pavement.
- Do not use pesticides if it is raining or if there is rain in the forecast.
What are safer and more environmentally friendly options for pest management other than pesticides?
- Choose to plant native plants when possible. Native plants require less maintenance, watering, and chemicals. Please refer to Roswell's Native Plant Guide (PDF) for full list of native plants.
- Don’t give your grass a buzz cut – mowing your grass as high as possible promotes healthy plants and a naturally balanced lawn.
- Plant a range of different kinds of plants to diversify your yard. Also, ensure plants are spaced appropriately apart.
- You can use physical methods in your yard to prevent pests including hand weeding, mulching, or setting traps.
- Consider installing a rain garden, which is a low area in your yard that has been planted with vegetation that better controls stormwater runoff. Visit the September article below to learn more about rain gardens.
If you want to learn more about the importance of safely using pesticides and how to better protect the environment please visit the U.S. EPA Lawn and Garden page or email.