Tips for Lower-risk Pest Control

Products are available that have less risk to the user and others. Select these whenever appropriate.

First, consider non-chemical control methods for your pest. Hand-picking insect pests is a tried-and-true control method that still works. A pesticide may not be needed.
If you need a pesticide, start with the lowest-risk product that will do the job.
Use sticky traps to reduce the number of insects.
Select products that have less risk to beneficial insects.
Consider diatomaceous earth to control soft-bodied insects.
Use horticultural oils to smother pests. There are different types, and some can only be applied to dormant plants. Make sure you read and follow the label directions.
When using insecticidal soaps to kill insects, be sure to coat surfaces thoroughly.
Botanical insecticides derived from plants are less toxic to mammals and birds.
Microbial insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) target specific types of insects and will not harm most beneficial insects, birds or animals. They must be eaten by the pests in order to kill them. Pick the right variety for your pest.
When using traditional products, apply a selective pesticide whenever possible.

Photo of a cup full of tomato hornworms — Control tomato hornworms the old-fashioned way.
Pick them off the plants and squash them.

Hefner, M. 2019, Tips for Lower-risk Pest Control, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP

If you need more information.

Please contact Extension's Communication Team for assistance.

Also of Interest:


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Guía para los Propietarios de Viviendas en el Norte de Nevada Identificación y Manejo de la Hormiga Carpintera Las hormigas carpinteras son unas de las hormigas más grandes que existen en los Estados Unidos. Una colonia de hormigas carpinteras se compone por una reina y varios miles de hormigas obreras. Andrews, M.; Hanson-Mazet, W.; Kratsch, H with translation by Peterson, M. 2025, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-24-10
Guía para los Propietarios de Viviendas en el Norte de Nevada Identificación y Manejo de la Polilla Esfinge de Rayas Blancas Las polillas Esfinge de Rayas Blancas se alimentan del néctar de las plantas y no causan ningún daño. Además, es importante señalar que las polillas adultas son buenas polinizadoras de muchas de nuestras plantas. Andrews, M.; Hanson-Mazet, W.; Kratsch, H. with translation by Peterson, M. 2025, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-08
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Guía para los Propietarios de Viviendas en el Norte de Nevada Identificación y Manejo de la Hormiga Cosechadora Hay 22 especies diferentes de hormigas cosechadoras en los Estados Unidos. El color de las hormigas cosechadoras varía desde el color negro hasta el café y el rojo, miden un tamaño promedio de 1/5 a 1/2 pulgada de largo. Viendo de cerca el cuerpo de una hormiga cosechadora se pue... Andrews, M.; Hanson-Mazet, W.; Kratsch, H. with translation by Peterson, M. 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno

Associated Programs

Garden plant and pest sprayers image by Olga Seifutdinova from Getty Images

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a strategy that reduces pests to tolerable levels with lower costs for the pest manager or home gardener and minimal effect on the environment. The IPM program at University of Nevada, Reno Extension focuses on identification and public education with resources for the community including classes, Spanish language resources and a pest directory.

Tips for Lower-risk Pest Control

Products are available that have less risk to the user and others. Select these whenever appropriate.

First, consider non-chemical control methods for your pest. Hand-picking insect pests is a tried-and-true control method that still works. A pesticide may not be needed.
If you need a pesticide, start with the lowest-risk product that will do the job.
Use sticky traps to reduce the number of insects.
Select products that have less risk to beneficial insects.
Consider diatomaceous earth to control soft-bodied insects.
Use horticultural oils to smother pests. There are different types, and some can only be applied to dormant plants. Make sure you read and follow the label directions.
When using insecticidal soaps to kill insects, be sure to coat surfaces thoroughly.
Botanical insecticides derived from plants are less toxic to mammals and birds.
Microbial insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) target specific types of insects and will not harm most beneficial insects, birds or animals. They must be eaten by the pests in order to kill them. Pick the right variety for your pest.
When using traditional products, apply a selective pesticide whenever possible.

Published by: Hefner, M., 2019, Tips for Lower-risk Pest Control, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP