- peerlesstree
- Feb 2
Minimum risk pesticides are materials that have been determined by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to pose little to no risk to human health or the environment. As a result, they are exempt from registration under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The sale and use of these substances are closely monitored to make sure they are compliant with both state and federal pesticide laws. These products still require a label with the name of the active ingredient and percentage of application by weight, as well as the inert ingredients, helping improve transparency and to ensure that they are used correctly.
You can find a full list of these materials in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40- Protection of Environment ( 40 CFR 152.25(f) ). The list is updated regularly; the most current list is available by directly contacting the Regulation Division of the EPA.
- peerlesstree
- Feb 2
- peerlesstree
- Nov 29, 2025
The extended weather forecast for winter 2025-26 is predicting cold temperatures and frequent snowfalls. New England is told to prepare for cold snaps and biting temperatures, particularly in mid-January and mid-February. We are also predicted to get frequent snowfall throughout the season. Keep those shovels handy!
In other seasonal news, a pest update for Berkshire County from the UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program shares that up until recent frosts, the most common complaints have been the abundance of jumping worms in lawns and garden soils, and deer ticks (a.k.a. black legged ticks). Pets, especially dogs, running around outdoors have picked up countless ticks and brought them indoors. This greatly increases the chance that the ticks can transfer to a human.
Plant diseases, mostly foliar diseases, have quickened the defoliation of infected plants. It is recommended to rake and dispose of the debris. Vole activity has also increased, and there is an excess of tunneling in lawns and landscapes. Browsing by deer and rabbits on evergreen plants has been on the rise as well.
Finally, the high wind gusts have resulted in severe damage to some trees. Trim and remove dead or broken branches throughout the year to avoid winter destruction.