Many tools are available to help gardeners, pest management professionals, and growers practice sustainable pest management without the use of pesticides. Sometimes, however, a pest infestation is too high or nonchemical methods haven’t worked, so the next solution might be to use a pesticide. Pesticides are helpful tools but must be used carefully to avoid injuring people or the environment. Deciding if you need a pesticide, what pesticide to use, and how to use it safely can be complicated. 

Home gardeners can find this information in the newly revised Pest Notes: Understanding Pesticides, by UC Cooperative Extension advisors Cheryl Wilen, Darren Haver, and Karey Windbiel-Rojas. This free publication defines what pesticides are and walks readers through the steps to choosing the right pesticide for their situation. The fact sheet also contains sections on pesticide application equipment, proper pesticide storage and disposal, and information about protecting yourself and the environment when applying pesticides.