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Information for Residents

Practical tips for residents on managing garden pests with less-toxic methods, and how to dispose of unused pesticides safely.

Pesticides and Gardening

Unwanted insects in your lawn, garden, or home can be a source of frustration and damage the plants that you are trying to grow. Some pests can also potentially transmit disease. To effectively prevent or remove these pests, it is important to understand what is attracting them, how they are entering the home or garden, and what control is best for that specific pest. Approaching pests this way will save money, have a longer-lasting effect, and protect the environment.

TAKE ACTION! Next time you need to address a pest in your home or garden, follow the steps below.

1. Identify if the bug is good or bad

Check whether the bug you’re seeing is a beneficial insect that eats the “bad” bugs and pollinates your plants. The OWOW partnership has a guide to identifying typical beneficial insects, and the 10 Most Wanted Bugs in Your Garden handout (provided as a PDF) lists the heroes you’ll most often see.

2. Identify what controls are best for your pest

The OWOW partnership and the UC Integrated Pest Management Program have detailed information by pest. A few quick references:

3. Consider no- or less-toxic alternatives

First, try to control pests with less-toxic methods such as traps, mulch, insecticidal soap, or beneficial insects like ladybugs. Visit the OWOW partnership or UC IPM for less-toxic product guidance.

4. If you must use pesticides, follow these best practices

  • Read labels and apply pesticides using recommended amounts and application methods.
  • Use the least amount of chemical needed — more is not always better.
  • Avoid application when it is windy or before it rains.
  • Don’t overwater the area immediately after pesticide application; excess water carries chemicals straight to the storm drain.
  • Take care not to spill the product, and don’t rinse spills into the street. If a spill occurs, absorb it with sawdust or kitty litter, sweep the absorbent material into a paper bag, and take it to your local hazardous waste collection facility.

More best practices: UC IPM — Pesticides: Safe and Effective Use.

Disposing of Pesticides

If you have pesticides (liquid or solid) that you no longer need, they must be disposed of properly so they don’t harm you or the environment. Any leftover pesticides must be taken to your local household hazardous waste (HHW) facility. You can find your nearest HHW location by calling the California Environmental Hotline (1-800-253-2687). Residents may only dispose of empty pesticide containers in the trash without rinsing them.

TAKE ACTION! Any amount of unused pesticide must be disposed of at your local HHW facility or event. Regardless of what the label may say, it is illegal in California to dispose of any amount of pesticide in the trash.

Within San Joaquin County, residents can take unused chemicals to the San Joaquin County Hazardous Waste Facility (7850 R. A. Bridgeford Street, Stockton, CA 95206), open free to the public Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9 AM – 3 PM. For more information, call the County Solid Waste Office at (209) 468-3066 or visit sjgov.org/solidwaste/hhw.

If you live outside San Joaquin County, contact your local agency for the nearest HHW facility or collection event.