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There are many options for controlling pests, and many of these options are tailored to specific pests or problems. Make sure your pest is correctly identified before deciding on a treatment or control method. You may decide to treat the problem yourself or you may decide to get help from an expert. It's up to you; NPIC cannot make pest control recommendations.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a pest control approach that uses the least toxic methods first. IPM includes common sense methods based on scientific knowledge of the pest and its habits. Methods often include removing pests' food source, blocking their entry into an area or building, using beneficial organisms, and the judicious use of pesticides. IPM can be more effective than conventional methods, which may use chemicals alone. In IPM, pesticides may be used as a last resort, when non-chemical controls have failed and the pest problem is serious enough to require chemical control.

There are many types of professionals who may offer assistance at different stages of your pest control process. In addition to the resources below, you can use your zip code to find a list of local resources.

Agency or Service How they may be able to help:

NPIC

NPIC provides free, unbiased science-based information on pests and pesticides. We can answer questions like:

  • Will this ant bait product hurt my dog?
  • Can this lawn herbicide get into my well by leaching?
  • Is it okay to use this pesticide indoors around children?

Cooperative Extension Service Offices

  • Identify insects, weeds, and other pests (sometimes for a fee).
  • Recommend pest control methods or pesticides that are available in your area.
  • Offer information on gardening and selecting plants.
  • Provide resources and information about farming and agriculture.

State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies

  • Which pesticides are registered in your state.
  • Investigate pesticide incidents.
  • Explain state pesticide laws and licensing of pesticide applicators.

Vector Control Agencies

  • Monitor for vectors (pests that spread diseases).
  • Control pests such mosquitos, ticks, or rodents that can spread disease.
  • Provide you with information on their current control activities.

Public Health Departments

  • Control pests that impact human health and that are a community concern.
  • Provide information on public health pests.

Pest Control Companies

  • Identify pests and recommend treatment strategies.
  • Inspect property for pests and pest-conducive conditions.
 

Learn more about:


Additional Resources:

If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email us at npic@ace.orst.edu.

Last updated January 26, 2024