The Virginia Pest Management Guide (PMG) series lists options for management of major pests: diseases, insects, nematodes, and weeds. These guides are produced by Virginia Cooperative Extension and each guide is revised annually. PMG recommendations are based on research conducted by the Research and Extension Division of Virginia Tech, in cooperation with other land-grant universities, the USDA, and the pest management industry.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is commonly discussed and used by pest management professionals, but is not widely understood by the general public. This publication explains the fundamentals of IPM and why it is an important tool for professionals and homeowners.

Proper storage and disposal of pesticides is essential to protecting people, animals, and the environment. This publication gives a brief overview on how homeowners and members of the public can properly store pesticides, and dispose of pesticides and product containers.

The need for this publication was identified by a survey conducted by the Emerging Pest and Pesticide Management Program Team. The survey identified a handful of myths among EMGs about integrated pest management (IPM). This publication serves to debunk those myths, which is beneficial to EMGs and the general public in their overall understanding of IPM.

Internet websites and social media platforms often contain information that misguide the public in using homemade pesticides. The use of homemade pesticides is concerning for several reasons. Homemade pesticides do not have directions for safe handling and application, instructions on how to protect people, pets, plants, and the environment, and are often ineffective. This publication will explain what homemade pesticides are and how they differ from registered pesticides. It will also debunk several common myths about homemade pesticides.

Anyone working with or near pesticides should recognize the signs and symptoms of pesticide exposure. It is also important to know the signs and symptoms of heat stress because it can closely resemble pesticide poisoning. This article discusses the similarities and differences between pesticide exposure and heat stress. It also outlines first aid measures and prevention strategies for each condition.