Use all available cultural controls first, and use pesticides only as a last resort. If pesticide application is absolutely necessary, choose the material proven to be the safest and most effective. Reduce pesticide use by pulling weeds instead of poisoning them whenever you can. The use of netting rather than chemicals can keep birds from reaching your vegetables or fruit, and proper fencing can keep out pets and wild animals. If you wash your car or boat at home, use a minimal about of detergent and wash on a grassy area.
Detergents running into the street means detergents in our creeks.
Use biological controls whenever feasible. Ladybugs and their larvae eat aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies and mites. Encourage and protect beneficial organisms. Other beneficial predators are centipedes, spiders, ground beetles, lacewings, dragonflies, big-eyed bugs and ants. Birds eat mosquitoes and other insects.