Precautions, Solutions, or Alternatives When Using Pesticides

    All chemical sprays and even many of the organically approved botanical sprays are toxic to peple.  Some chemical sprays cause cancer.  If you decide to use chemical pest- and weed-control products anyway, dispose of leftovers properly to lessen the impact on the air and water supply.  Store all insecticides and herbicides under lock and key to prevent accidental poisoinoing in children.

      Spray plants with nonchemical compounds.  Examples: Spray with a soap-and-water solution (3 tablespoons of soap per gallon of water or buy Safer's Soap solution) for aphids, mealybugs, mites, and whiteflies.

      Spray with pyrethrum, to control caterpillars, beetles, aphids, mites, leafhoppers, thrips, moths, and dozens of other fruit and vegetable pests.  Introduce predatory bugs, sich as soldier bugs, ladybugs, damsel bugs, pirate bugs, spiders, lacewings, and gall midges to control unwanted pests.

      Interplant with pest-repellant plants (allelpathic) marigolds, coriander, thyme, yarrow, rue, and tansy.  Indoors, dispose of garbage to avoid attracting ants and roaches.  Store food in pest-proof containers or in refrigeratoro or freezer.  Clean up crumbs and food residue promptly.  Use flypaper, flyswatters, and screens.

     To control fleas on dogs and cats: Bathe aminals every two to four weeks with pet shampoos containing insect-repellant herbs such as rosemary, rue, eucalyptus, and citronella.  For termites and carpenter ants correct moisture situation (example: leaky faucets, leaks around windows, etc.).