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Most insect pests attack plants using one of four strategies: chewing, sucking, scoring (or rasping) and boring. A majority of these pests are large and easily seen; only a few are microscopic. Nearly all have some natural enemies. Because of these traits and characteristics, controlling insect pests is usually easily accomplished by following a series of progressive steps in a method known as Intergrated Pest Management (IPM).
 Cabbage worms are the larva of white cabbage butterflies, which lay their eggs on cabbage, broccoli, kale and similar vegetables. Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/Donna Krischan
IPM uses progressive steps of control, depending on the severity of the infestation. The first defense is planting healthy plants that are naturally resistant to common diseases and some insects. Then keep your garden healthy by employing good watering, fertilizing and cultivating practices. Healthy plants are best able to fend off early attacks by insects until predator populations (beneficial insects) can bring things under control.
Avoiding chemical sprays is always the safest (and more environmentally friendly) way to go. Garden chemicals of any kind – pesticides, fungicides and herbicides, as well as some fertilizers, insecticidal soaps and other compounds – should only be applied as a last resort after all other control methods have failed. And even then, they should only be used in limited application directly to the infestation or infection.
If you get to the point where a pest problem has become too severe and unmanageable, and using chemicals has become your final option, only choose a control that’s approved for both the specific plant you need to treat and the pest (or other condition) you’re trying to stop. (Some chemicals, for example, can be used to control aphids on roses but NOT aphids on tomatoes!)
After selecting the proper treatment for your specific problem, read and follow all directions and warnings on the product label carefully and completely. Then on a wind-free day, gather your appropriate control product, a measuring cup (either a disposable one or one that’s dedicated only for chemical use – do not use that cup in the kitchen once it’s been used to measure chemicals of any kind!), a disposable container and disposable implements for mixing, a spray applicator and proper implements, rubber gloves, protective clothing and a respirator mask. Then follow these steps:
Applying Chemicals - Step 1 Completely read all package label directions and warnings. Put on protective clothing, gloves and a respirator mask, then measure and mix your chemical control as directed on the label. (Only use the exact required quantity specified, using a disposable container and utensils for mixing.) Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Applying Chemicals - Step 2 Fill the spray applicator with the mixed control solution, taking care to avoid any spillage. Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Applying Chemicals - Step 3 Depending on the label instructions (and following them accurately), apply the chemical directly to the pest or to the infected foliage (tops and undersides), branches and stems that may hide pests, their eggs and fungal spores. Spray in specific infected sections – avoid spraying large areas. Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Applying Chemicals - Step 4 Thoroughly wash the applicator and implements when finished. Properly dispose of mixing utensils, any mixed and unused control agents, and any empty bottles as directed on the package. Wrap empty bottles in newsprint or newspaper before disposing in garbage. Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Applying Chemicals - Step 5 Remove protective garments and gloves and wash them with soap and water, then set them out to dry. From now on, only use these garments for applying garden chemicals. Always wash your hands thoroughly with bar soap and water when you’re finished with spraying and cleanup. Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
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| Warnings |
- All garden chemicals pose personal hazard if ingested or if they come in contact with the skin or eyes. Always wear eye protection, gloves, protective clothing and a respirator mask to mix, apply and dispose of garden chemicals. If the unthinkable happens and some chemical is ingested, identify what’s in the product and the antidote needed (found on the label). Then call 9-1-1 or your local poison control and tell them which chemical is involved.
- Be careful when using pesticides. Each plant type – from veggies to turf – is considered a different “crop,” and different crops require different pesticides for controlling different pests. Using the wrong product could lead to killing your plants – or worse, exposing you and your family to toxic chemicals!
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| Tips |
- Keep your children and pets away from where you’re spraying. Never apply a pesticide around your pet’s food bowl or a picnic table, and don’t apply it in an area where your children and pets play (unless it’s specifically allowed, according to the chemical label).
- Only spray when winds are calm, or the spray or residue can drift onto unintentional plants and may cause damage.
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| Tools |
- It’s a good idea to have two sprayers. Designate one for insecticides and fungicides (insect and diseases killers) and another for herbicides (plant killers). This way, if any herbicide residues are left behind in your sprayer, you won’t be killing plants, even though you thought you were spraying for bugs. (Be sure to mark each sprayer accordingly.)
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