Pesticides as Insect Control in the
By Lee Oliphant, Ed.D., Master Gardener
PART 1 of 3
No Master Gardeners worth their salt are going to recommend that you
indiscriminately spray insecticides as a means of pest control. There are numerous proven strategies
available for the home gardener that will create a natural balance in the
environment and manage pests, while minimizing damage to plants and wildlife -
all without the use of chemical substances.
But let's face it, there are times when the home gardener feels the need to
rely on technical support through the use of biochemical warfare. Before doing so, thoughtfully evaluate your reasons for
this action. Are pests causing unacceptable losses in
your garden beyond your tolerance? Do you completely
understand what is causing the damage? Are you
treating the offender(s) at the proper time in their life cycles? Do you know how to read the pesticide label and use the
appropriate dilution formula?
Know Your Enemy
The
By identifying the culprit that is causing the damage in your garden, you will
have completed the first step in selecting the appropriate pesticide and
applying it effectively. There are some excellent
resources available that will help you identify the insect or mite, for
example, which may be causing damage in your garden. Pests
of Landscape trees and Shrubs, and Pests of the Garden and Small Farm are
published and available from the
While the mere presence of an insect on a plant does not necessarily mean that
it is the offending critter, finding and capturing the insect is the best way
to get help with its identification. Some pests are
elusive and this may not always be possible. To help
you identify the damaging insect, note whether or not the leaf has been chewed,
or is discolored or withered from the sucking mouthparts of insects such as
mites, scales or aphids. Identify the kind of plant
that is affected. Some plants are prone to particular
insect infestations. Know the lifecycle of local
insects. Some go through complete metamorphosis
(beetles and butterflies) while others, like aphids, change little as they
mature.
Identifying and understanding the offending insect, its growth and its habits,
will help you select the appropriate control measure and apply it at the proper
time in the life cycle of the insect. Subsequent
articles on types of pesticide and formulations, and reading pesticide labels
will follow, as well as information on the use of pesticides for maximum
results.