Small Pest Control
They may be small but they can cause a huge amount of damage to our plants and we as gardeners need to be aware of the options available in our war chest.
Ideally we should aim to use ‘Cultural/Non-Chemical Options’.
#1. Cultural Options (Non-Chemical)
These are practices that include: Correct pruning techniques, Cleaning of tools between use and especially when used between different plants, placing physical barriers and/or placing traps that deter or attract according to colour/smell.
Cultural options available in our shop: Insects traps, large nets, small nets and plastic covers
#2. Biological Options
This is when one organism is used to control another and must be host-specific: predators eat the pests, parasites lay eggs in the pest and pathogens cause a fatal debilitating disease.
Biological options available in our shop: Dipel for caterpillars.
#3. Chemical Options
Our final options are the easiest - to use chemicals. It is important to remember that these chemicals are non-specific and will kill both the good and bad insects. When deciding to use chemicals you need to decide how bad the infestations has to be to warrant the use of chemicals, for instance if only 10% of your plant is diseased is it worth killing all the good insects and can the plant and you live with a small infestation?
Insecticides are divided into two groups:
a. Systemic insecticides – these are taken up the plant and transported to all parts of the plant including the nectar and pollen.
- All piercing and sucking insects feeding on the plants will be affected even those feeding in ‘hard to spray’ spots. Common insects include Aphids, Soft Scale, Psyllids, Lace Bugs, Mealy Bugs
b. Contact Insecticides - these do no enter the plant, remain on the surface and are ingested by the insect as they eat the plant material
- This is most effective on insects with chewing and rasping mouthparts – so the insecticide is only affective in areas where the chemicals have been sprayed. Common chewing insects include: Caterpillars, larvae of beetles, ants, thrips
Whichever insecticide you choose, always read the Instructions on the label as this will tell you the amount of chemical to use for your specific problem, along with the health and safety guidelines you need to follow.