February 2008 - The Parklander Magazine

GARDEN SPOTAre You A Little Buggy In Your Own Yard?by Brian Allen, Master GardenerThere are three letters in the alphabet that you should remember, theyare IPM and stand for Integrated Pest Management. According to theFlorida Yards and Neighborhoods Handbook, IPM is a sustainableapproach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical,and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmentalrisks.Let’s try and make it simple. An IPM program is where pest scoutingand monitoring is common and pesticides should only be applied whenother options will not control the pest. If pesticides are used, they shouldbe applied at labeled rates and a sign should be posted to alert you thatthe substance has been applied. Whenpesticides are necessary, least-toxicproducts should be chosen.You need to remember that being a healthyplant is the best way to defend itself againsta bad pest. As well, with a little help fromgood bugs and birds, your landscape willbenefit greatly.Basic Building Blocks of IPM:Start your IPM program off with pest free and pest resistant plantsand a landscape plan that encourages natural controls:• Keep your plants healthy.• Keep a watchful eye on your plants. This helps detect pest problemsearly.• Plants that show aesthetic damage may not need to be treated;know what you’ll accept in aesthetic damage before you treat.• Pest outbreak – determine if you have a natural enemy of thepest present and give it some time to see if it can actually controlthe problem.• Necessary treatment- use the safest alternatives first.• Handpicking to remove the pests.• Pruning and removal of the infected limbs or leafs.• “Softest” of insecticides.• Insecticidal soap.• Horticultural Oil.• Microbials.• Spot treat affected plants or lawn areas – never blanket spray.Avoiding Pest Problems:• Think before you plant.• Do not plant in unfavorable growing conditions.• Choose insect and disease resistant plant varieties.• Do not encourage excessive growth – this practice makes theplants vulnerable to insects and disease.• Water and fertilize in moderate amounts.• Do not mow your grass/lawn too short.• Do not severely prune your trees or shrubs – this weakensthem and invites in pests.58 FEBRUARY 2008