About Youth

Insects, plants, and wildlife are important members of our world. But sometimes they can eat, live, and grow where they don’t belong, such as in our homes, schools, and our mother’s prized rosebush! In these cases, they are pests...living things that compete with humans for space, food, and water.

As youth growing up in the today’s world, it is valuable to learn more about pests and how to manage them in ways that keep you and your family safe. Tell your parents or teachers when you see pests, and never touch any containers that may contain pesticides, household cleaners, or any unknown substance.  Help younger siblings keep away from danger too!

Here, you will find many fun and interesting Web sites to help you learn more about pests and what you can do about them. This includes Integrated Pest Management, which uses various methods to get rid of unwanted pests. You can help in this effort by keeping things cleaned and picked up; emptying your trash; keeping your room and desk neat; cleaning up crumbs after you eat; making sure you report holes in your walls, dripping faucets, or broken window screens to an adult; and even vacuuming the house!

Whether you’re in elementary school or junior high, whether you’re part of 4H or help your dad in the backyard garden, whatever you do and however old you are, you are an important part of successfully managing pests!