FFL™ Landscape Advisor's Manual - Orange County Extension ...

Low-impact techniques are used
for insect and disease management
whenever possible.
(5 points) (p. 34)
Partial Points Available:
5 Pts. – Homeowner uses all 5 techniques
4 Pts. – Homeowner uses 4 of 5 techniques
3 Pts. – Homeowner uses 3 of 5 techniques
2 Pts. – Homeowner uses 2 of 5 techniques
1 Pt. – Not Possible; please do not award
1 point for this category
Clients are able to properly identify
pest and disease issues in their
landscape or have brought samples
to their local Extension office.
No Partial Points Available
(4 points) (p. 38)
If chemical treatment is necessary,
client uses spot treatments.
No Partial Points Available
If clients do not use chemical treatment,
they can be awarded full points.
(4 points) (p. 34)
Review the basics of IPM with clients, and help
them identify their pest control options.
Begin with Cultural Control (which is usually the
source of the problem). Examine irrigation and
fertilization practices. Look at plant placement.
Suggest that they move or remove a plant that is
perpetually pest prone.
Follow up with Mechanical Control. Can the pest
be picked off or washed away with water? Can the
affected plant part be pruned?
Try Biological Control, if possible. Biological
controls do not work as quickly as pesticides, but
they are far more beneficial.
Try insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or Bt
(Bacillus thuringiensis). Repeated applications
or alternate applications of soap and oil may be
necessary. Caution: Bt is a stomach poison for the
larvae (caterpillars) of butterflies and moths.
Use chemical pesticides only as a last resort.
We want stakeholders to be aware of the services
provided by their Extension office. Although they
may not be able to properly identify what is afflicting
their landscape, they should be aware of the role of
the Extension office and the way in which to collect
samples for diagnosis.
Broad-spectrum insecticides are not selective,
meaning they also kill beneficial insects. Pestspecific
products, which are designed to harm only
target pests, should be chosen instead.
A Florida-Friendly Landscaping Publication 30