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Tips for Your Agency > Maintenance
Pesticides
Pesticides are poisons formulated to kill specific insects and
other pests, such as rodents. Herbicides contain poisons formulated
to kill specific types of plants. Some commercial fertilizers contain
dioxins and heavy metals; if not applied properly, fertilizers can
be dangerous to humans, animals, and even the plants they are meant
to benefit.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) offers a sustainable approach
to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, mechanical,
and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and
environmental risks. IPM minimizes the use of chemical substances
by utilizing routine monitoring to determine if pest control measures
are necessary.
To cut down on the need for pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers,
consider implementing these IPM activities:
- Make areas less attractive to pests by cleaning up food
scraps and other sources of food, repairing water leaks, and increasing
ventilation.
- Make areas less accessible to pests by repairing holes
and installing barriers.
- Use physical barriers and traps to eliminate animal pests.
- When landscaping, use plantings that require little or no
fertilizer, such as hearty native plants.
- Do not reuse or recycle empty containers that held pesticide
products or any other hazardous waste. Place them with your regular
trash.
For more information on the chemical constituents and potential
health effects of a specific substance, see the following:
 pesticides
herbicides
fertilizers
ALSO SEE resources
for more informational sources on pesticide and herbicide alternatives.
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