If you live in Baltimore, you also happen to live with plenty of pests. I don't know many people who have managed to avoid a roach or mice infestation from time to time. And in getting rid of them, many rely on toxic pest control sprays.

The Baltimore City Health Department aims to offer residents some relief -- in a less hazardous way. The department received a $250,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to fund less-toxic pest control strategies for city homes, schools and businesses.

Called the Safe Pest Management for Health Initiative, the program aims to reduce the use of toxic pesticides in favor of a concept called integrated pest management, which is less harmful and more environmentally sensitive, according to health officials.

The strategy relies on preventive measures first – such as sealing cracks and properly storing food – continuing with less hazardous pest control options, if needed. A pilot program started last year in a city public housing development decreased cockroach infestation by 97 percent, health department officials said.

About 5,450 residents and government workers will be trained in the program, which over the next two years, will be rolled out to 100,000 residents with a goal of decreasing toxic aerosol pesticides by 75 percent.

Edited to add: The sites targeted for the new pest control program have largely been chosen and include day care centers and schools that have specified a problem with pests in the past. But if you're interested in finding out more about the program, contact the health department: 410-396-3558

Baltimore Sun photo