When you spray pesticides and fertilizers within 24 hours of rain, they may be ineffective as the rain washes them away. That stormwater runoff can also spread chemicals, such as pyrethroids, into the surrounding ecosystem. This can have a harmful effect on your community and environment. Consult licensed professionals to learn waterway-safe pest control options, and keep harmful pollutants away by not spraying when it rains.
To keep harmful pollutants away, simply don’t spray before it rains!
Pyrethroids are a common ingredient in many household and agricultural pesticides. However, overexposure (directly or through water sources) can cause dizziness, nausea, change in awareness, and other side effects, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
A No-Spray Day happens in a period when a rainy weather event is forecasted. It indicates that today is not a good day to spray any pesticides or fertilizers because they will not have time to work effectively before the water washes them away.
If you’re a resident spraying pesticides and fertilizers yourself, avoid spraying products during a rainy period to make sure they work properly. If you work with a pest control service, consult with them to confirm best practices for treatment plans and schedules. Additionally, adjust your sprinkler schedule or turn them off, choosing not to water any sprayed areas within 24 hours of spraying.
Get Help from Licensed Local Integrated Pest Management Companies
When hiring a pest control company to protect your yard, home, family, and pets from unwanted pests, it’s important to ask if the company is licensed and insured, and if it adheres to IPM (Integrated Pest Management) principles.
Reach out to the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District for more information.
Confirm the pest control company you have hired is licensed in the state of California.
The Water Conservation Program offers a variety of free services for our customers. These services are provided to help customers save money by reducing their water use and ensuring compliance with water conservation regulations.
Some easy ways to conserve water are watering only on assigned days, reducing irrigation run times to eliminate runoff, being mindful of daily water usage, and taking advantage of our water-efficient appliance rebate program.
Use Our Water Our World’s Store Finder to locate retailers all across California that provide less-toxic pesticide solutions.
The Water Conservation Program offers a variety of free services for our customers. These services are provided to help customers save money by reducing their water use and ensuring compliance with water conservation regulations.
Some easy ways to conserve water are watering only on assigned days, reducing irrigation run times to eliminate runoff, being mindful of daily water usage, and taking advantage of our water-efficient appliance rebate program.
Locate stores all across California that provide pesticide solutions that are less toxic using this Store Finder.
A Message from the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District
While the primary goal of the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District is to regulate urban flooding, we also recognize the impact that stormwater runoff can have in bringing pollutants to waterways, including ponding basins, canals, and rivers. These chemicals can seep into our groundwater, affecting the quality and safety of the water you use.
By choosing less-toxic products and not spraying before rainy days, you are limiting the fresh, harmful chemicals that may wash off into our waterways. No-Spray Day helps ensure your pesticides and fertilizers work for you while reducing groundwater pollution in our community.