If you're not ready to rewild but still want to help Santa Ana's environment, then here are some simple steps you can take to give nature a chance while still saving money:

1. Don't Mosquito Fog - Fogging kills mosquitos, but it also kills bees, butterfly, moths, or just about any insect that comes in contact with it. Alternatively, if you have standing water you can dose it with "Mosquito Bits" to kill the larvae without harming other insects. And if you feel comfortable, talk to your neighbors about removing standing water to eliminate breeding sites.
2. Don't Use Fungicide and Herbicide - These have been linked to declines in bee and other insect populations. Both fungicides and herbicides can harm the gut biome in bees, making them more likely to fall ill to other pathogens. They can also be expensive.
3. Reduce Light Pollution - Switch to motion activated flood lights or use a warm "bug light" bulb to make the light less attractive to insects. These insects are attuned to sun and moonlight and always fly with the light on their backs. Artificial lights trick this natural instinct and force them to fly in circles around the lights, causing exhaustion. Warm tinted LEDs are less attractive and turning off the lights saves electricity.
4. Leave Leaves - Instead of bagging or mowing leaves, use them as mulch. Many beneficial insects rely on leaf cover as shelter or food.
5. Use an Electric Leaf Blower or Rake - Gas leaf blowers release significant amounts of nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide, which reduce air quality. This has an impact on children, elderly, and individuals with asthma or other health conditions.
6. Volunteer - Help local organizations like OC Habitats clean up existing wild areas.