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I.F. jntrol pest problen +e least toxic pesti xst resort The least toxic and least persistent pesticide is used only when monitoring indicates that preventative and non- chemical methods are not keeping pests below acceptable levels. The goal is to reduce the population of the pest organisms with the least toxic pesticide that will control the pest but not harm the organisms or the environment. ^ Do not use pesticides on a prescheduled basis. ^ Learn the life cycle of the pest to maximize pesticide efficiency. ^ Consider naturally occurring pesticides before synthetic. For example, soaps and oils can be used for control of aphids and other insect species. Sulfur controls fungal diseases. Corn gluten is available as apre-emergent weed control. Acetic acid based sprays are becoming available for use on weed seedlings. ^ If synthetic pesticides are identifed as the last resort: choose the least toxic and the least persistent. ^ Do not assume a high percentage of inert ingredients means the product is not hazardous. ^ Do not use broad-spectrum, synthetic chemical pesticides. ^ Spot spray weeds or use an ultra low volume sprayer to apply the absolute minimum amount. ^ Keep pesticides out of gutters, stormdrains, and off sidewalks, driveways and other hard surfaces, and dispose of leftover product properly. Using the least amount of the least toxic pesticide helps to protect water quality and demonstrates your commitment to the health of your clients and staff, the community and the Bay. 2. Eliminate high input decorative lawns Installing large turF areas solely for their looks is resource inefficient. One study estimated that over a 20 year period, the cumulative cost of maintaining a prairie or a wetland totals $3,000 per acre versus $20,000 per acre for non-native turf grasses. ^ Plant groundcovers, shrubs, or trees, instead of turf. ^ Replace lawns, especially those on steep slopes, in shady areas or near creeks and wetlands with native plant meadows or grassy swales that treat stormwater and resemble native grasslands. The need for irrigation, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides can be reduced or eliminated, thus protecting water quality. "Grasses are . really a huge, flexible family. T Native and non- native grasses can be planted to match site conditions in ways that mimic natural grasslands and don't use a lot of resources. You don't have to mow them. They can become meadows. -Michael Baefsky, Landscape Ecology Consultant, Baefsky & Associates, Orinda ~. 1 . -~. s '. ~ r1 t yy~~~+•`~' ~5;- r ~u~ . ~=~a ,+s .I a{ j e „~ ~,. fi b r,... ti ~ ~~ n+, g a 45