The packet has instructions for turning your yard into a haven for wildlife and includes an application to officially certify your yard as backyard wildlife habitat with the National Wildlife Federation. Keep your pet cat indoors. Domestic cat predation is now one of the leading causes of vanishing songbird populations. Stop using toxic chemicals. Homeowners use 67 million pounds of pesticides annually in their yards-between four and ten times the amount per acre used by farmers.
Pesticides are poisons, killing many other species in addition to the targeted pest.
They endanger public health, and pollute our air, water, and soil. And while you're at it, phase out those toxic cleaning products inside the home. Instead, purchase brands like Seventh Generation and Ecoover, available locally at Alfalfa's, Wild Oats, and Vitamin Cottage. Rethink landscape services that use pesticides and herbicides. And they'll probably say spraying is necessary if you want an attractive yard.