Effective and Safe Use of Pesticides through Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a systematic approach to managing pests that focuses on long-term prevention or suppression with minimal impact on human health, the environment, and non-target organisms. To practice IPM, you need an understanding of insects, weeds and other pests in and around your home, but you don’t have to be an expert! IPM practices recommend planting resistant species, using natural controls, supplying fertilizer and water for maximum plant strength, and using pesticides only when necessary, after other natural means have failed. Always use pesticides according to labeled directions. The use of beneficial insects such as lace wings, ladybugs, praying mantises, and parasitic wasps are a large part of an IPM program. Provide thick shrub cover in places throughout your yard. This will provide a safe place for beneficial insects to live, reproduce, and be present to feed on invading pests. Beneficial insects may be purchased on the web or in many Garden Centers. There are many benefits to using IPM. You will reduce the need for pesticides by using several pest management methods. You will be protecting the environment from excessive, unnecessary pesticide applications by balancing proper minimal use of pesticides with the need to manage pests. Integrated pest management and safe, minimal pesticide use will keep your home environment in balance and free from dangerous substances which are harmful to humans and pets.

Steps to take for managing insects, pests, and weeds.
You want to first identify the insect, pest, or weed that is causing your problem. This enables you to choose the proper product to control you particular problem. Depending on the amount of infestation, chemical applications may not be needed. A good website to help you identify insects, pests, or weeds is www.ortho.com. We recommend using this site for first line identification only. Please use your judgment when following their prescribed course of action, chemical treatment may be recommended which might not be necessary. Also check out www.GardensAlive.com for natural and organic solutions. We recommend limiting the amount of pesticide use in your garden. You may also purchase or borrow books on these topics from various bookstores or libraries. Or bring a sample of the damage, pest and or weed to us at Wells Nursery LLC. Be sure to seal your samples in a zipper type plastic bag, eliminating the further spread of contamination. We would be happy to help you identify your problem and formulate a course of action.

Treatment
Well kept healthy lawns and gardens are more resistant to insects, pests and weeds. Good maintenance and feeding practices are always your first line of defense. Seasonal pruning helps to supply good airflow during the growing season. Be sure to clean up plant debris at seasons’ end to insure no hold over insects, fungi or diseases which can repopulate in the spring. Insect larvae such as grubs may not be numerous enough for chemical application. On a healthy lawn, if there are no more than 8 grubs per square foot, no application is needed. On trees and shrubs many infections can be pruned out. Some seasonal pest infestations on trees such as aphids may not need to be treated. They usually will not be numerous enough to harm the tree and will dissipate as the season progresses. On smaller plant material insecticidal soaps are effective treatment for Aphids, Mealy Bugs, White Fly and Scale. Scale should be treated while they are in their mobile stage. –For more information look up scale on the Ortho Website. Be sure to destroy, or seal and dispose of infected materials that have been removed that day. You don’t want to spread infection and infestation. When pruning infested or diseased plants be sure to always clean your garden tools with one part bleach to three parts water, so as to not infect other plants. To combat leaf eating caterpillars and some other chewing insects you may use “Bt” Baccillus thuringiensis. This is a bacterium that is sprayed on an infected or favorite food source for the caterpillars. Once ingested by the hungry little buggers the bacterium rapidly reproduces and stops the feeding cycle. There are forms of Bt which are useful for controlling mosquito larvae in ponds, water gardens, and areas where runoff may pool. Bt is not harmful to wildlife, pets or humans. Growing large showy composite flowers, (discs of small, tightly packed florets surrounded by rays or petals including Daisies, Asters, Dahlias, Gaillardia, Coneflowers, Fennel, and Sunflowers) encourages beneficial insects to sit. Do not apply pesticides when bees and butterflies are present pollinating.

When applying any chemical read the label and follow the directions explicitly. Please protect yourself by wearing protective eye wear, clothing that covers your skin, protective gloves and foot wear. Do not apply on windy days, and do not eat, drink or smoke until you have showered to remove any pesticide residue you may have come in contact with. Wash clothing in hot water – separately. Remember most chemical pesticides are designed to kill! Make sure it’s not you!