Homeowner Pest Management

Pesticides have their place in weed control and pest management, but using them incorrectly can harm pets and kill beneficial insects, and collectively with that of your neighbor's pesticides leach large amounts of chemicals into waterways and drinking supplies.

“We recommend that you use pesticides as a last resort,” says Michelle Wiesbrook, a University of Illinois Extension expert in pesticide safety and horticultural weed science. “A lot of times there are other controls that will work.”

• Integrated Pest Management for Homeowners

• Welcome Dandelion and Violets into Your Lawn

• The War on Lawn Weeds: Confronting a Lawn Culture Mindset