Maintenance that supports healthy Arthropod habitat often involved “doing less” rather investing in time-intensive activities, in order to avoid disrupting habitat. It also protects native Arthropods from harmful chemicals. However our program builds in flexibility for gardeners, allowing them to choose among practices and does not require strict bans of some practices.
Removing Invasive Plants. Invasive plants threaten the food and shelter of desirable Arthropods and potentially introduce unwanted insects. Gardeners can pledge to remove such plants through weeding or other non-chemical options.
Minimizing Outdoor Lighting. Significant outdoor lighting can disrupt biorhythms of some Arthropods and discourage the presence of nocturnal species. Pledging to minimize the use of outdoor lighting, focusing it where it is needed, and opting for warm-spectrum colors can help alleviate this problem.
Avoid Insecticides and Herbicides. Chemicals pose a serious threat to Arthropods, however it is recognized that the judicious use is sometimes needed to avoid infestation of homes by non-native species. Gardeners can pledge to avoid the use of these chemicals, particularly in and around Arthropod habitat areas.
Limit the Use of Leaf Blowers. The disruption of habitat by leaf blowers can pose a serious hazard to many Arthropods. Gardeners can pledge to limit the use of these blowers to hard surfaces.
