Safer, Pesticide-Free Insect and Weed Control:
Use non-toxic or less toxic methods for both pest or weed control.
These can include mechanical or cultural methods, safer products or natural predators such as ladybugs or nematodes. Use the Beyond Pesticides Pest and Weed Database to find your pest or weed and learn how to safely control it. https://www.beyondpesticides.org/resources/managesafe/choose-a-pest
Choose fertilizers and mulches that do not contain herbicides or insecticides. If you need fertilizers, avoid “weed and feed” products as they contain harmful herbicides. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, natural or plant based fertilizers are great choices that are slow release and improve soil health. Some mulch products are treated with herbicides, so be sure to read the ingredients before purchasing.