Pesticides are chemicals designed to kill or repel pests. Often, however, they end up killing or disrupting the life cycles of non-target insects, rodents, and birds. Pesticide chemicals are frequently swept into waterways by stormwater runoff where they further threaten these non-target species as well as the quality of our drinking water. Here are several easy steps you can take to practice mindful pesticide use, prevent harm to the environment, and protect the waterways that we rely on for water, food, and recreation.