Photo of a gardener using pesticides from a sprayer on a bush in front of a home.

Reduce Pesticide Use

Pesticides do not distinguish between pests and their predators and parasites and can be very deadly to pollinators

Icon of a person with a tank on their back with a skull and crossbones on it, person is wearing a gas mask, crossed out with the words NO PESTICIDES underneath the image.

For certification, you will need to reduce or eliminate pesticide use.

A well-planned garden rarely needs pesticides

Using fewer and less toxic pesticides will protect beneficial insects that are your allies in pest control. Before reaching for a pesticide, ask yourself these questions:

: Things other than insects and disease often cause plant problems, e.g. Improper planting and environmental stress. Don't invest time and money until you know that a pesticide is the solution.
: It is normal to see some insects on plants. Most insects do little damage to plants and you may not need to use chemicals.
: Changing a gardening practice or the location of the plant can often solve the problem. Many non-toxic products work just as well or better than their more toxic counterparts. Always consider them first.
: Spraying needlessly can reduce the population of pollinators as well as beneficials and drastically upset the balance in your yard. The result is often more plant damage.

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