The Environmental Protection Agency’s new rules represent progress toward reducing the risk of pesticides, but there are flaws in the plan that limit its effectiveness.
Herbicides
Protect Pollinators at Home: Alternatives to Herbicides
Herbicides are designed to kill plants, but can also harm pollinators and other invertebrates. Luckily, there are other ways to remove unwanted plants.
Xerces Introduces New Searchable Systemic Insecticides Reference
The Xerces Society's new Searchable Systemic Insecticides List allows anyone to understand the dozens of insecticides currently registered in the U.S. that are designed to permeate plants from within. Systemic insecticides can render some or all of a plant toxic to insects that feed on plant tissue and are commonly used to suppress herbivorous sucking or chewing insects like aphids, caterpillars, and root nematodes. Unfortunately, systemic insecticides also harm beneficial insects.
Pesticide-Free Gardening Tips for Earth Week and Beyond
Please consider spending Earth Week in the garden, enjoying the diversity of insects, and taking a few of the actions outlined below to simultaneously minimize pest problems and avoid the use of pesticides.
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