Control Yard Pests Responsibly

Introduction

Pests

Define

Identify

Integrated Pest Management

Prevention

Cultural

Biological

Chemical

Physical

Attracting Beneficials

Author: Rebecca McNair

Edited By: Allison Steele

Cycle of Pesticide Dependency

Many chemical pesticides are broad spectrum, killing not only target pests but also beneficial organisms that serve as natural pest control systems.

NO natural controls

Indiscriminate mortality- pests and beneficials

Dependence on chemical pesticides

In the days following a pesticide treatment, pests

reproduce faster than predatory insects. By killing off beneficial

insects, pest populations flourish. After Thomas Weissling

ToleranceSome damage to plants is natural. Don’t strive for a pest free yard; instead, decide on a realistic threshold of damage.

What is a Pest, really? Pest- plant, animal, or other

organism that is out of place Diseases, Weeds, Insects, Reptiles,

Mammals, Arthropods Of all insect species

in the world, less than 1 % are considered pests

Am I a Pest? This depends on where I am feeding, in the yard

or the butterfly garden.

Scale Aphids

Mealybugs Whiteflies

Spider mites

Nematodes

Thrips

Plant Diseases

Disease occurs when an agent impairs the necessary functions of a plant

PlantPlant EnvironmentEnvironment

PathogenPathogen

Leaf Spots Algal, bacterial

or fungal pathogens

Enters through injured tissues

Spread by splashing water, and insects

Root Rot Poor growth, thinning canopy Yellowing and leaf drop Branch or plant death Roots dark and rotted, strip off easily Due to excessive soil moisture

Poor drainage Over-watering Planting too deep Shallow rooting

Environmental Stresses

Drought Nutrient deficiency Variations in pH Mechanical damage Cold damage Excessive water

or fertilizer

Many environmental effects are mistakenly treated as pest problems.

Herbicides injured this tomato plant.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

IPM is the coordinated use of pest and environmental informationinformation and available pest control methods

To prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economicaleconomical means

With the least possible hazardleast possible hazard to people, property and the environment

Principles of IPMSustainable Sustainable

PreventionPrevention

Cultural PracticesCultural Practices Biological MethodsBiological Methods Physical Methods Physical Methods

Chemical Chemical MethodsMethods

After Dr. Norman Leppla

-using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged

PreventionOur most sustainable pest control method involves avoiding the introduction of pests (into our country, state or yard). Buy pest-free plants Select plants adapted to your yard Select resistant varieties Avoid notoriously problematic plants Properly install and maintain plants

Some key plants are likely to be infested by key pests. For example, Azaleas are commonly infested by

lacebugs, particularly if the azalea is planted in a sunny location.

Key Plant, Key Pest

ScoutingMonitor plants routinely to aid in early detection of an insect, disease, or other problem. Look for: Favorable conditions for pests Signs and symptoms of pests

The pests Damage to plant

Leaf spot, leaf curl, feeding Frass- insect excretions

Presence of natural enemies

Cultural PracticesWe can also avoid problems with insects and diseases through proper design, installation, and maintenance. Stressed plants are more susceptible to attack, like the Chinese Elm with crowded roots shown here.

Water Wisely Water during the early morning,

when leaves are already wet Avoid overhead irrigation of

woody ornamentals

Many foliar diseases gain entry into plants through the water remaining on leaves.

Biological Control

The use of living organisms to control pests

Lady beetles and their larvae feed on aphids and other soft bodied insects. They are commercially

available in bulk.

Predators

Parasites

Pathogens

Attract Beneficial Insects by:

Not using harmful pesticides Providing food

Nectar and pollen Plant diversity

Providing shelter Enhance vertical layers

Food for ThoughtMany herbs and fragrant flowering plants attract natural enemies

Gaillardia

Milkweeds

Goldenrod

Echinacea

Sunflower

Clover

Cilantro

Dill

Fennel

MustardsClover also fixes

atmospheric nitrogen into a form

available to other plants.

As A Last Resort….Sometimes, major pest damage reaches a level that is unacceptable to the observer. When all previous management efforts have been ineffective, individuals may wish to apply: Physical methodsThese are the least sustainable methods discussed because they are labor intensive, and often require repeated treatments.

Chemical methods

Physical Management

Remove pests by hand Remove infested parts Establish barriers to

prevent pest access to plants

Yellow sticky paper attracts whiteflies and other insects. These traps help to

monitor pest populations in greenhouses.

Chemicals Choose least harmful pesticides

Use selective pesticides rather than broad spectrum killers

Spot treat where pests are abundant, rather than the entire yard

Horticultural oils Follow pesticide label

instructions carefully

Management Strategies

“Sap Suckers”- (aphids, soft scales, mealybugs, whiteflies, spider mites) Biological controls Soaps and oils

Caterpillars- Bt

Plant Chewers- (grasshoppers, beetles, leaf miners) Use a proper insecticide if damage

warrants action

Insect

Management Strategies Leaf Spots-

Avoid overhead irrigation Improve air circulation Sanitize- remove infected plant parts

to avoid reinfection Stem Cankers/ Stem rots-

Change watering and pruning practices Root rots-

Change watering practices Remove infected plant and roots

Wilt- Remove infected plant

Disease

For More Information on

Visit: http://biocontrol.ifas.ufl.edu

Features: Newsletters, presentations, news releases, photo galleries, tutorials, videos, training, publications, diagnostic clinic, listserv, links and more!

Further Readinghttp://edis.ifas.ufl.edu

ENY 298 Landscape Integrated Pest Management

ENY-276 Beneficial Insects and MitesCIR 642 Homeowners' Guide to Pesticide Safety ENY 292 What’s Bugging MeWEC-20 Dealing with Unwanted Wildlife in an

Urban Environment PDMG-V1-01 Characteristics of Plant Disease