Using pesticides safely is important. Before reaching for chemicals, be sure to properly identify your pest. In your landscape, pests are unwanted organisms and can include insects, weeds, fungus, nematodes, and mammals. Use integrated pest management (IPM) to manage pest problems. In IPM, you use a variety of methods to control pest populations, including cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods. The goal with IPM is to suppress pest problems, not to eradicate them.

When using a pesticide, be sure to read the label carefully and follow all instructions. Using a pesticide in a manner that does not comply with the label is illegal. Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE).

If you have questions about pest identification or pesticides, contact your local Extension office.

Relevant Books and Publications

• NC Extension Gardener Handbook, Chapter 8: Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• NC Extension Gardener Handbook, Appendix B: Pesticides and Pesticide Safety
• NC Agricultural Chemicals Manual
• Southeastern US Pest Control Guide for Nursery Crops and Landscape Plantings

Extension Information Portals

Visit these sites for news stories and links to even more resources from N.C. Cooperative Extension.

• Weed Management Portal
• NC Pesticide Safety Education Portal