Purchasing Pesticides When You Need Them
“Point-of-purchase” or “point-of-sale” campaigns are focused efforts to educate and raise awareness among both retailers and consumers so that they can make informed decisions about what types of products are available for sale (retailers) and what products are most effective, least harmful, and ultimately purchased (consumers). Point-of-purchase displays often include materials such as shelf edging or tags and display stands with fact sheets, banners, and other educational materials Our Water – Our World (OWOW) is an example of an established point-of-purchase program that is implemented in retail stores that sell pest control products in northern California.
TAKE ACTION! Next time you visit your local gardening and home supply retailer, look for displays and educational materials about pesticides and which controls are best for each type of pest that you may encounter. You can also click here to find a list of stores that participate in the OWOW program.
Hiring A Landscaper or Pest Control Operator
Integrated Pest Management might sound complex, but you don’t have to do it alone! There are many professional gardeners and landscapers who specialize in eco-friendly pest management and landscaping practices.
When looking for a pest management professional, look for these certifications:
-
EcoWise Certified professionals work to address the root cause of your pest issue. They use their knowledge of how pests live, feed, reproduce and move to effectively solve pest problems.
-
Green Shield Certified is an independent, non-profit certification program that promotes effective, prevention-based pest control that minimizes the use of pesticides.
-
Green Pro Certified is offered by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and recognizes pest management companies committed to providing customers with reduced risk, comprehensive and effective pest control services.
- Additionally, check out this tip sheet for finding an eco-friendly pest management professional.
If you’re looking for broader landscaping services, check out these resources for finding environmentally friendly landscaping professionals:
-
The ReScape Qualified Professionals Directory lists landscapers throughout California who conserve water and soil, reduce waste, and prevent pollution.
-
QWEL Pros have been trained in efficient irrigation principles and sustainable landscaping practices to use water efficiently and prevent runoff.
Safe Use And Disposal Of Pesticides
Again, spraying pesticides should only be used as a last resort. If you do choose pesticides, follow these tips for minimizing pollution:
- Select the least toxic product. Consider using bait stations or insecticidal soaps and oils.
- Spot-apply pesticides or chemicals only to the area that needs treatment.
- Time the application of chemicals such that they will have time to take effect and be absorbed before water carries them into storm drains. Do not use pesticides if rain is forecast within 24 hours.
- Conserve water by only watering as much as your plants need and no more. This will help prevent landscape irrigation from running off your yard and into the streets and the storm drain system.
- Read the label of the pesticide you are thinking about purchasing to ensure that it is appropriate for the pest you are targeting. Follow all instructions on the label. Click here for what to look for on a pesticide label or here for common questions and answers about pesticide labels.
- Properly dispose of leftover and unused pesticides. Residents can drop off leftover pesticides for free at San Joaquin County's Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Consolidation Facility at 7850 R.A. Bridgeford Street, Stockton, CA 95206.
Safely clean up spilled pesticides by absorbing it with sawdust or kitty litter. Sweep the absorbent material into a paper bag and dispose of it at the local hazardous waste collection facility.