Extension

Today’s column focuses on biological, mechanical/physical and chemical tactics of an Integrated Pest Management Plan.

 

Garden pests have several natural nemeses in the garden. Creating an environment in which these natural enemies like to hang out is advantageous for gardeners. Learning more about the various natural enemies that are native to Oklahoma, as well as those that can be purchased commercially to control pests, is good information for a gardener to have.

 

There are three types of natural enemies of insects – predators, parasitoids and pathogens. Gardens can feature plants that attract or conserve beneficial insects. Adult predators and parasitoids feed on nectar and pollen as part of their diet. A few favorites include blanket flower, sweet clover, wild mustard, dill, fennel and Queen Anne’s lace.

 

There is beneficial information in Oklahoma State University Extension’s fact sheet E-1023, Conserving Beneficial Arthropods in Residential Landscapes. 

 

Mechanical and physical tactics can successfully control pests in the garden, too. Tactics such as hand-picking, streaming with water, pruning, mowing, plastic mulches, cultivation and heat/cold treatments are good choices. Gardeners can also choose barrier methods that include horticulture fabrics and floating row covers, plant collars, sticky or metal barriers and plant cages.

 

Some gardeners may think of chemical controls as corrective methods to use after-the-fact. Sometimes, chemical controls can be preventive. Consider pre-emergence herbicides to control weeds or seed treatments for disease and insect control. However, in most cases, chemical controls are applied to correct an existing problem.

 

When using a pesticide, carefully consider the need for applying it. Pesticides should be used only when other controls don’t provide successful control. In addition, selecting the pesticide that’s least harmful while being effective is an environmentally sound decision.

 

Anytime an insecticide is used, follow all label directions and apply in a manner that minimizes the effects on beneficials and non-targets. Also, consider the type of pesticide. Insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, diatomaceous earth and kaolin clays are effective, yet are low-hazard options. If a more toxic pesticide is needed, be sure to apply it safely and use as little product as possible.