Pesticides to Avoid

When chemical pesticides are applied to crops and gardens, they can get into the environment and adversely impact fish, pollinating insects, and other wildlife as well as human health.

Pesticides can contaminate groundwater supplies, streams and soil and contribute to air pollution. If you use pesticides, including herbicides and fungicides, it is important consider the environmental impact, strictly follow application instructions, and minimize pesticide use through an integrated pest management plan.

How does avoiding certain pesticides benefit salmon?

Pesticides are often made up of toxic chemicals that can make their way to aquatic environments and directly affect the health of salmon.

Pesticides indiscriminately kill insects that are not harmful garden pests but are an important part of the ecosystem and a vital food source for salmon.

Salmon Safe, whose mission is to transform land management practices so that Pacific Salmon can thrive, has complied a list of hazardous chemicals that are particularly harmful to salmon and aquatic species to avoid on your property.

Photo credit: CDC/ Dawn Arlotta