Extension

When gardeners hear the word pest, the first thing that may come to mind is an insect munching its way through a favorite plant. While insects certainly can be pests, they’re not the only unwelcome visitors in the landscape. Weeds, plant diseases, mites, nematodes, rodents and even some birds can cause problems in our lawns and gardens.

That’s where pesticides come into the picture.

The word pesticide is sometimes used incorrectly to describe only products that control insects. Those products are actually called insecticides, which are one type of pesticide. The term pesticide is much broader and includes any substance or mixture of substances intended to prevent, destroy, repel or mitigate a pest.

For example, herbicides are used to control weeds, fungicides help manage fungal diseases, and rodenticides are used to control rats and other rodents. All of these products fall under the pesticide umbrella.

Gardeners may be surprised to learn that some household products are technically considered pesticides. Disinfectant wipes, bleach and even some soaps are classified as pesticides because they are designed to control or destroy certain organisms.

All pesticides are biologically active, which means they should be handled and used with care. Even products considered safe for people can cause environmental damage if they’re misused or overapplied.

So, when should gardeners reach for a pesticide?

In many cases, pesticides are intended to be used after a gardener has identified a pest and observed damage. This is an important part of integrated pest management, or IPM, which encourages gardeners to monitor plants and use the least-disruptive control method necessary.

There are some exceptions. Fungicides are often used as plant protectants and may be applied before a disease develops, particularly when conditions are favorable for disease. Likewise, some herbicides can be used to prevent weed seeds from germinating.

With so many types of pesticides and so many different ways to use them, there’s one rule that applies to every product: Read and follow the label directions.

The pesticide label is more than just a list of instructions. It provides important information about which pests the product controls, where it can be used, how much to apply, when to apply it and what safety precautions to follow. Using more of a product than the label recommends won’t make it work better – in fact, it can increase the risk of harming plants, people, beneficial insects and the environment.

The best approach is to first identify the pest and determine whether control is actually needed. Then choose the appropriate product, if necessary, and use it exactly as directed.

Gardening is all about working with nature, and understanding pesticides is an important part of being a responsible gardener. A little knowledge can go a long way toward protecting your plants and the people, pollinators and other beneficial organisms that share your garden.

If you have questions about identifying a pest or choosing the best management strategy for your lawn or landscape, contact your local Oklahoma State University Extension county office for help.