Common-Sense Pest Control: Least-Toxic Solutions for Your Home, Garden, Pets and Community

Ignore the two inane reviews below and read the others. You'll see what I mean....

Despite the opinions of another of the book's reviewers, many responsible, ... homeowners and gardeners have the need to sanely deal with pest infestations. This is the best book for learning about the least toxic and often the most humane way of dealing with pest problems. I have used it for my own home and garden and also as a Master Gardener recommending solutions for other gardeners. I highly recommend it.

I answer garden questions (and ones about pest problems) for a living, and I'd be lost without my wonderful dog-eared copy of this book. It is probably responsible for TONS of toxic chemicals NOT being used by paniced homeowners, and belongs in EVERY home.

This book is a wonderful resource for anyone who cares about balancing their own needs as residents of the planet with the needs of all the bugs out there. Insects are introduced, their contributions to their ecosystem detailed, possible ways of controlling them discussed where that is needed, and final, more dire solutions are available where needed. A great resource for those who want their pest control to be as little destructive as possible, and in many cases this is also what is most effective. A good resource to have on hand.

A detailed, well-indexed reference dealing with pests from lice to rats. This is a how-to book as well as a general reference, and although Common-Sense Pest Control is not always the most pleasant reading, it is a godsend to anyone in the trenches. The authors approach is scientific and non-alarmist, with an emphasis on least-toxic solutions. Excellent illustrations. An example of their style: "Few pest problems cause more panic and premature decisions among home owners than those involving wood-destroying insects such as carpenter ants or termites... Whatever the reason, you should not feel pressured. You have plenty of time to find the least-toxic treatment and decide whether you want to do some of the work yourself and contract out the rest to a professional or turn over the entire job to a professional."