![]() ![]() Third, before reaching for the insecticide spray, research all the options for controlling the pest. If you catch them in the egg stage, or early in the caterpillar stage, it’s much easier to stop them in a targeted way. When do they first appear? For example, winter moths are a major problem in some parts of the U.S., and their eggs hatch early in the spring. Once you know what you’re dealing with, it helps to understand the lifecycle of the insect you’re looking to eradicate. This website is excellent for identifying common pests and advises on controlling them. Check your plants often for signs of discolored or damaged leaves and fruit, and the presence of potential culprits. The fancy name for this is integrated pest management.įirst, be vigilant. You can beat those pests by combining different methods. So, what is a gardener to do? Can you use insecticides at all, and are there alternatives? Here’s how to control pests and reduce insecticide use The problem lies in their ability to stick around inside the plant and turn up in the pollen and nectar that bees love.Įven if bees aren’t killed, less obvious damage to health and behavior can put hives under stress. Neonics have been thought to be relatively bee-friendly, but some studies suggest otherwise. Do neonicotinoid insecticides harm bees?īee safety is a growing concern for many insecticide users. This all sounds good, but sometimes they miss the intended target. If applied to the soil or lawns, they also target burrowing pests like lawn grubs. Some neonics dissolve easily in water and move into plants through the roots to kill sap-sucking aphids, and caterpillars and beetles that munch on the leaves. If neonics are applied directly to plants, they kill insects on the plant surface. For these reasons, they’ve been popular with farmers and gardeners since the 1990s. They also stick around for long enough to be effective. They have a nicotine-like structure, but are only toxic to insects, not mammals and birds. Neonicotinoid insecticides (neonics), specifically, are widely used because they, at least partially, fit this profile. ![]() That said, insecticides are designed to kill things, so on a certain level, they’re harmful and should always be used with care. The ideal product is toxic, but only to the pest, isn’t harmful to humans and other animals, and needs time to work before it breaks down.Īs assessed by the EPA, most modern, readily available insecticides have a low risk of damaging human health. Insecticide manufacturers consider several factors when developing new pesticides. Insecticides are designed to kill things, so on a certain level, they’re harmful and should always be used with care. Here are the basics of what you need to know when it comes to using insecticides. Just remember that by helping one plant, you could also hurt the health of your garden and the wider environment. Is the answer to your garden woes insecticide? Maybe. You need something that solves the problem and is safe for the people and pets who use your yard. Given the vast range of options available, choosing the right way to stop insect pests is tough. This kept 3-year-old me out of trouble, but little did I know, it was also part of a sophisticated pest control strategy. He often had me remove caterpillars from the cabbages. One of my earliest memories is helping my great-grandfather in his vegetable garden. Luckily, there are ways you can fight back to save your precious plants. All your money, time, and hard work can be wasted if hungry insects get out of control. Few sights annoy a gardener more than insect pests devouring their lovingly tended plants.
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