Pest Control Information

Effective pest control requires some knowledge about the pest and its habits. The first step is to identify the pest correctly; the second step is to learn about its lifestyle. Your local University Extension Office can often help you identify your pest. They also publish fact sheets on specific pests in your area.

If you are seeking a low-toxicity method of controlling a specific pest, consider looking at the Directory of Least-Toxic Pest Control Products published by the Bio-Integral Resource Center or the Less-Toxic Product List by Our Water, Our World..

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a pest control philosophy that emphasizes the least-toxic approaches,and many of the fact sheets you'll find here, emphasize an "IPM" approach.

You can also search for pesticide products registered in your state. The databases vary by state, but they often allow you to search for a registered product by pest (to be controlled), by active ingredient and/or by product name.

Click on the links below for specific pest control information:

• Public Health Pests (e.g. mosquitoes, fleas, lice, ticks)
• Nuisance Pests (e.g. ants, weeds, slugs, moths)
• Professional Pest Control (e.g. selecting a company, institutional pest control)

Read NPIC Case Profiles concerning common misperceptions about pesticide use and review our list of Hot Topics for more information on frequently asked questions (i.e. organic food, CCA treated wood, mothballs, etc.).

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