Some pesticides can have seriously adverse effects on those who come into contact with them, from those that affect the nervous system to those that are carcinogens, known to contribute to cancer risk.  While not all commercial pesticides are dangerous, public health and environmental officials are moving more and more to recommending the use of safer, more natural alternatives. 

An approach that is gaining favor with these officials is called Integrated Pest Management, and is defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as “the coordinated use of pest and environmental information with available pest control methods to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment” .  In practical terms, this means using mechanical trapping devices, natural predators (e.g., insects that eat other insects), insect growth regulators, or mating disruption substances (pheromones) before turning to chemicals to control pests.  

22.a    The Department of Agricultural Resources should regulate pesticide use on all public property

22.b    Local and state government agencies should switch from exclusively relying on pesticides to using Integrated Pest Management for landscaping properties under their control.

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