7 Powerful Resources to Help You Reduce Pesticide Use

We’ve taken a moment to compile a list of all the great resources for pest control professionals and landowners to reference when deciding how to reduce pesticide use. 

Solve Pest Problems

Solve Pest Problems is very detailed, easy-to-use guide for pest control information. Launched in 2022 by Oregon State University, this resource focuses on providing access to science-based information to the general public in the Pacific Northwest.

PNW Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

How does the local farmers market relate to reducing pesticides and protecting water quality? Small organic farms that grow a variety of produce are more likely to implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) than conventional monoculture farms.

By choosing a farm share through a CSA, you support farmers directly, and can ask them about their organic practices. In general, even if a local farm isn’t “Certified Organic” – (which doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t use pesticides), they are probably implementing sustainable & organic practices.

Click the link below to explore what delicious produce each farm offers, and pick the perfect one!

National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)

Believe it or not, OSU also administers the public service NPIC (National Pesticide Information Center). Wondering in layman’s terms what’s up with the active ingredients in ant baits or roach sprays? Had an exposure incident and wondering who to call? 

NPIC makes reliable pesticide information available to the public. Go Beavers!

Grow Smart, Grow Safe

This handy guide lists pesticide products and ranks their hazards to humans, pets & wildlife, acquatic organisms & water quality. 

A great quick reference for pesticide safety, check out Grow Smart, Grow Safe before buying or spraying anything.

Green Shield Certified

Looking for a pest control provider that has been evaluated for Integrated Pest Management by a third party?

Pest control companies claim their products and services are green, but how do you know what that means? You can feel confident choosing a Green Shield Certified exterminator because they follow strict standards that protect human health, water quality & ecological safety.

NPMA Field Guide Pro (App)

This one is fun! The National Pest Managment Association offers a great mobile app called Field Guide Pro. This app helps you identify common household pests and gives you tips to control each one. Field Guide Pro is $8.99 on the app store or Google play, but could be especially helpful for homeowners or facilities managers looking to reduce pesticide use.

How does that work? Well, the more informed you are about each pest & their biology, the less likely you are to over-apply chemicals.

Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP)

From their website:

“The Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP) is the leading Northwest voice for non-toxic pest and weed solutions. We promote safe pest and weed alternatives for the health of people and the environment.

They have lots of great information for homeowners, gardeners, farmers, and support for people looking for ways to reduce bee poisoning by pesticide use.

Northwest Pest Digest

There’s a lot going on! Pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides (rat poison). We know they’re dangerous and not to use them. But, who knows actually how to solve pest issues while minimizing chemicals?

That’s where Pest & Pollinator’s Northwest Pest Digest steps in. We have combined habitat restoration & integrated pest management experience that help us understand the risks of pesticides and ways to reduce them. Our blog is meant to provide good quality information to help homeowners solve minor pest issues where they can.