Insects

Insects are a problem that we all may have to deal with at some time or another.  If you happen to notice various bugs on you outside plants, chances are there is no need to be alarmed.  Most bugs do very little harm to our trees and shrubs.  If you do notice foliage being severely eaten or damaged, then it may be time to consider the use of an insecticide.  Insecticides can be broken down into five groups:

¨      Borers – coddling moths and fruit flies

¨      Builders – tent caterpillars, bagworms, and leaf rollers

¨      Suckers – aphids, leaf hoppers, thrips, mites, scales, and spittle bugs

¨      Chewers – army worms, grasshoppers, Japanese beetles, cucumber beetles

¨      Minces – leaf miners (black leaf miners are a very common problem in our area)

Most of these insects can be easily kept in check with insecticides such as Malathion, Diazanon, Liquid Sevin, and Isotox.  Remember to always follow label instructions.

It is usually best to spray during the early morning or late afternoon, because this is the calmest part of the day.  It is best not to spray during the heat of the day.

Avoid breathing vapors as much as possible, and always wash up well when you have finished.  It may be a good idea to know the weather forecast so the spray can stay on the foliage as long as possible.

Insecticides should always be stored up and out of the reach of children and pets.  A cool dry place away from food, beverages and eating utensils is best for storage.  Do not let the insecticides freeze in winter.

If you use a little common sense the use of insecticides can be a very simple and safe task.  Your plants will reward you with their beauty, and you will not harm the environment.  In most cases insecticides do little harm and are usually gone after a short time.  If you were to notice infestations it may be necessary to implement the help of a chemical insecticide.