HOW TO BE PESTICIDE FREE

Pest Management Principles

a. IPM puts the emphasis on prevention, looks at all available information and considers all the management options before deciding on the most effective, economical and environmentally friendly means of managing a pest problem.

b. Elements of IPM programs are:

prevention regular monitoring identification of pest or problem assessment of problem to decide on what action to take use of a variety of tactics as necessary to deal with pest problem evaluation of the results and adjustment to the lawn care program as needed

9. PREVENTION IS THE BEST APPROACH FOR MANAGING PESTS. a. Prevention offers lasting benefits and is more effective overall than using pesticides to control individual pest problems.

b. Prevention includes:

providing good soil, with ample depth and organic matter, choosing the right mixture of grasses for the conditions, making long-term changes, such as improving drainage in wet areas or replacing lawns with other types of landscaping.

10. CHECK THE LAWN REGULARLY. a. Regular inspection of the lawn makes it possible to detect pests and other problems early.

b. Keeping an eye on developing pest problems will help you decide:

whether or not treatments are needed when to apply treatments

11. MAKE SURE PEST PROBLEMS ARE CORRECTLY IDENTIFIED. a. Correct identification of problems is essential because:

plant damage may not be caused by pests. Plants can be injured by poor growing conditions or practices, and environmental problems such as road salt or dog urine.

beneficial insects may be mistaken for pests.

you need to know the pest in order to look up life cycle and other information that will help you decide if and when to apply treatments and how to prevent further problems.

12. ONCE YOU'VE FOUND AND IDENTIFIED A PEST IN YOUR LAWN, CHECK FOR DAMAGE AND DECIDE WHETHER ACTION IS NECESSARY. a. The presence of a few weeds or insect pests in healthy lawns may not be cause for concern.

b. Keep an eye on the pest problem and get more information if necessary before deciding:

whether or not treatments are needed how and when to apply treatments

13. RECURRING PEST PROBLEMS ARE OFTEN A SIGN THAT LAWN CARE PRACTICES NEED TO CHANGE. a. If weeds or other pests are invading the lawn, you may need to correct drainage or fertility problems, add lime, increase mowing height, remove thatch or make other improvements.

Messages about pesticides

14. THERE ARE EFFECTIVE PEST MANAGEMENT METHODS THAT DO NOT INVOLVE USING PESTICIDES. a. Before resorting to herbicides, try managing weeds by improving the general condition of the lawn and doing some occasional hand weeding.

b. Prevention, such as providing good soil and choosing the right mixture of grasses for the conditions, plays a big role in pest management.

15. PESTICIDES GIVE SHORT-TERM CONTROL OF LAWN PESTS, BUT RARELY LONG-LASTING SOLUTIONS. a. Improving management of lawns gives long-lasting results and avoids future pest problems.

16. IF YOU NEED TO USE A PESTICIDE, ONLY APPLY IT WHEN AND WHERE THE PEST IS PRESENT. a. Most lawn pesticides do not prevent pest problems. They only control pests once they are present.

b. Minimize use of pesticides by:

timing applications correctly to avoid the need for repeat treatments, using spot treatments rather than broadcast applications, only treating the problem area or plants.

17. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE LABEL DIRECTIONS. a. The label is a legal document and must be followed. When using pesticides:

ensure that the pesticide label has directions for use on lawns and lists the pest you wish to control use the recommended rate on the pesticide product label use any protective clothing, gloves and other equipment specified on the label

18. TRY TO BUY ONLY THE AMOUNT OF PESTICIDE THAT YOU EXPECT TO USE UP IN ONE SEASON. a. Avoid having to store and dispose of excess pesticides.

b. Store pesticides out of the reach of children and pets and follow all label instructions and government regulations.