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United States Environmental Protection Agency
Pesticides: Controlling Pests
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Around the Home

Are you interested in household pest management?

Do you know people who need help or advice on managing or preventing household pest problems?

If you have pest problems in your home that you want to solve or you want information that may help you prevent pests from invading your home, you've come to the right place.

Sooner or later, we're all pestered by pests. Whether it's ants in the kitchen or weeds in the vegetable garden, pests can be annoying and bothersome. At the same time, many of us are concerned that the pesticides we use to control pests can cause problems too. How can pests be controlled safely? When and how should pesticides be used?

Today, you can choose from many different methods as you plan your strategy for controlling pests. Sometimes a non-chemical method of control is as effective and convenient as a chemical alternative. For many pests, total elimination is almost impossible, but it is possible to control them. Knowing your options is the key to pest control. Methods available to you include pest prevention, non-chemical pest controls, and chemical pesticides.

The most effective strategy for controlling pests may be to combine methods in an approach known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) that emphasizes preventing pest damage. In IPM, information about pests and available pest control methods is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

 

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