Download - Accurate Identification
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