These practices, such as rotating crops and choosing disease-resistant varieties of plants, will reduce the need for insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. Another way to control harmful pests is to eliminate their breeding grounds around your home. Make sure wood piles that attract termites are away from your house. Remove old tires and buckets that collect rainwater and attract mosquitoes. Or put up a bat box or purple martin house to control insect pests.
Water is a valuable commodity.
No matter where you live, water conservation can save money on your water bill or extend the life of your septic system. Repair leaky faucets. A dripping faucet can waste 20 gallons of water a day, a leaking toilet 200 gallons. And use water sparingly when brushing your teeth and washing dishes. Install low-flow showerheads and toilet dams.