Pesticides can cause problems for our health and the environment even when applied according to label directions. Pesticides sprayed outdoors to kill insect pests or control weeds make their way into our waterways. Very small amounts of pesticides can be lethal to marine life, birds, and other life forms.
This is why water pollution prevention agencies in charge of our municipal storm drain systems and wastewater treatment plants support “integrated pest management” (IPM), a strategy that aims to prevent pests and their damage long-term, using a combination of least-toxic techniques. Pest control materials are applied in a manner that minimizes risk to human health, beneficial and non-target organisms, and the environment