Methods for Pest Control

PHYSICAL METHODS OF PEST/WEED CONTROL

-  Wash aphids off plants. Ladybeetles are predators of aphids.*

-  Pull weeds by hand before they set seed.

-  Plant "soft landings" as green mulch under trees to prevent weeds.

-  Remove all Japanese Barberry which attracts ticks and mice that spread disease.

NON-TOXIC SUBSTANCES & HEAT

-  Garlic-based tick spray and MET-52 are alternatives to bee-killing Pyrethroids.

-  Limonene as an herbicide for small areas (Avenger is one brand).

-  Applying corn gluten meal to turf grass (in early spring and fall) will prevent germination of crabgrass and weeds.

-  Kill weeds in driveways and walkways with a propane torch or spray with vinegar.

-  Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around foundations and entryways for non-toxic control of ants.

-  Whole milk and water (1:2) prevents powdery mildew.

NON-TOXIC BAITS, TRAPS, LURES

-  Slugs can be trapped with a saucer of beer placed at ground level. Fireflies are predators of slugs.*

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL *

Learn to identify the "good guys" and let these beneficial insects do their job.

-  Lady beetles eat aphids, and green lacewing larvae feed on soft-bodied insects, mites, and insect eggs.

-  Fireflies eat slugs and snails.

-  Spined soldier bugs, spiders, predatory mites, and many nematodes are also beneficial "allies".

MICROBIAL PESTICIDES

-  Bacillus thuringiensis var. galleriae (BTg) is effective in controlling many beetle grubs including Japanese and Asian beetles  

   and chafers.

-  Beneficial nematodes are effective in controlling all types of beetle grubs.

HORTICULTURAL OIL SPRAYS

-  For control aphids, mites, scale insects, whiteflies and other pests.

  USE CAUTION. These oils are non-selective and will kill beneficial insects.

INSECTICIDAL SOAPS

-  Effective against whiteflies, aphids, mites, and thrips.

   TAKE CAUTION not to use insecticidal soaps on butterfly caterpillars.Also, many plants are sensitive to   

   insecticidal soaps.

BOTANICAL INSECTICIDES

-  Many naturally occurring plant extracts have insecticidal properties. They vary in toxicity to humans and non-target            

   organisms. USE THESE WITH CAUTION. Immature insects, including beneficials like butterfly caterpillars, are     

   extremely sensitive to extracts like Neem.

NOTE:  With any insecticide, it is important to apply when pollinators (bees, butterflies) are not active and 

              where flowers are not present.SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDES get into pollen and nectar, effectively poisoning 

              bees and other pollinators.

NEVER USE BROAD SPECTRUM INSECTICIDES