COLUMBUS, Ohio — Heavy rain after a dry stretch of weather can sometimes lead to localized flooding or puddles that form on hard soil.
What's in those puddles could be harmful to fish, insects and other animals.
Pesticides that we may be using on our crops, gardens and lawns often can get washed away with summer storms. These chemicals then can get washed down the storm drains where they can directly impact rivers, streams, and other waterways.
That said, the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District says it’s always best to wait until after the rain to apply any product.
If you do want to put down some product, Franklin SWCD suggests checking your labels for products that are more environmentally friendly and can be diluted with water.
Experts also recommend using rain barrels, installing rain gardens or even adding compost soil to help keep the storm water from rushing away. You can find more information on the safest products and ways to prevent that runoff here.
Keep in mind that not all insects are considered pests to your gardens and crops. If you are not sure of a certain insect, you can search for common backyard bugs and ways to properly control them here.