Identify pests and natural enemies

Identify signs and symptoms Frass Slug trails Sooty mold Honeydew

Accurate Identification is the first step in an effective pest management program!

Photo: Linda Seals

Utilize as many resources as possible to accurately identify pests Books and other guides Internet

Ask local expertsOthers?

How much damage will you or customer tolerate? Aesthetic threshold – how

many pests must be present to affect the appearance of the plant?

Timing At what stage of the

pest’s growth will the control method be most effective?▪ Example, mole crickets are

more susceptible to chemical control just after hatching

▪ Example, perennial weeds are more susceptible before the seed stage

Cultural Controls Right plant, right

place, pest resistant cultivars

Mechanical Controls Pruning away

damage/infestations Biological Controls

Beneficial insects, Bt Chemical Controls

Photo: Linda Seals

Photo: ifas.ufl.edu

Is the pest expected to cause more harm than is acceptable (will it exceed the threshold)?

Use a control strategy that will reduce the pest to acceptable levels (suppression).

Cause as little harm as necessary to non-target organisms.

Keeping the landscape healthy! Right plant, right placeProper plant care

Mowing, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, mulching

Selecting pest resistant varietiesProper installation and establishment

Pruning away infestations or infected plant parts

Mowing (control weed seeds)Edging (weed control)Sanitation

Sterilize pruning equipment Wash hands Clean up debris

Ladybeetles Assassin bugs Big-eyed bugs Mealybug

destroyer Spined soldier bug Tiphiid wasps Beneficial

nematodes

Minute Pirate Bugs Lacewings Syrphid flies Some spider mites Lizards Birds Bats

And many, many more!

Encourage beneficials Provide food (some pests must be

present to attract beneficials) Use banker plants

Most efficient on smaller pest infestations

Are not always predictable

Start with soaps and oils Mode of action: smothers insects by

blocking spiraclesSpot treat

If infestations are isolated to a few plants, treat only those plants

Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides

Use pesticides least harmful to non-target organisms

Least residualUse pre-emergent pesticides for

certain recurring pests

Records can help decide what worked and how much it cost

How do you know if your strategy worked? Damage to plants

remains at an acceptable level

Quality of plants improve Pesticides used do not

harm you, animals, or the environment

Educate yourself!!! Make all pest and plant

management decisions based on IPM Choose practices based on

pest biology, weather, and plant growth

Goal: suppression Avoid injury to non-target

organisms

Identify the pest and determine whether control is necessary

Determine your pest control goal(s)Know what tactics are availableEvaluate the benefits and risks of

each tactic

Choose a tactic that will cause the least harm to non-target organisms

Use each tactic correctly (follow the label directions)

Observe local, state, and federal regulations