b'Here are some simple things we can do: Encourage natural predators like the lacewing, ladybug, praying mantis, dark ground beetle, and spider. Prune out infested areas. Use water spray to physically remove some pests from plants. Set out pans of beer or brewers yeast to attract slugs and snails. Cut down on the number of mosquitoes breeding in your area by removing old tires, changing birdbath water regularly, and eliminating items around the yard that may collect standing water. Avoid planting and harvesting when insects are most abundant and damaging. Buy plants that are resistant and free of pests and diseases. Provide plants with the growing conditions that they like best. This helps them resist pests and diseases. Remember that gardens with a variety of plant types are less susceptible to insect damage. Use organic products if possible. Your local garden center can suggest useful products. Encourage insect-eating birds by providing bird houses and baths. For more information on nontoxic alternatives to pest control, see Chapter 13. encourage naturalprune out predators like theinfested areaslacewing, ladybug, praying mantis, dark ground beetle, and spider water spray will physically remove pests from plantsset out pans of beer or brewers yeast to attract slugs and snailsWhat Else Can I Do? Support municipal composting. Request and buy organically grown food. This will help encourage the many farmers who want to use non-toxic pest control techniques. Find out how public areas are treated, for example, roadsides, municipal parks or golf courses.Urge the town to minimize or eliminate the use of herbicides and pesticides, particularly near waterbodies and childrens playgrounds. Support Chathams eff orts to eliminate and control invasive plants. Take advantage of informational resources such as the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension.Page 47bluepages.indd 47 8/26/2009 1:52:28 PM'