Garden Column for the Salisbury Post

Darrell Blackwelder

April 2, 2004

    With the warm weather approaching, many want to get a jump on weeds, insects and other pests. Even though pesticide usage is down, in many cases it is impossible to control pests without them.

     When used correctly, pesticides effectively eliminate pests without harm to man or the environment; however, pesticide misuse is still a common problem. Below are a few tips that may prevent pesticide misuse and provide a safe environment.

     ** Know the pest.  Home gardeners that have pest problems often do not know what type of pest is causing the problem.

Insects differ from mites, spiders and other pests.  Foliar diseases on some vegetables could stem from not only a fungus, but bacteria or virus.  Some pesticides are very specific in what they will control.  What works well to control one pest does not necessarily mean it will work for another pest.  For pesticides are formulated exclusively to control mites.  This pesticide will not control bagworms.  Sevin dust is an insecticide; it will not control leaf spot on cucumbers. Leaf spots are best controlled with fungicides.  During unusual weather, deformities in plants may occur mimicking a disease.  Know the pest before applying a pesticide.

     **Can you live with some pest damage?  Is it really worth spraying and entire vegetable garden or lawn for a few weeds?

Hand picking may be a valid alternative for removal of bagworms on juniper, especially if there is a small population infesting the plants. Tomatoes that have early blight at the end of the season may not need to be sprayed for the final harvest. Leaf spot, such as anthracnose, is a common disorder on maple and oak that rarely if ever kills trees.

     **Choose the least toxic pesticide to control the insect or other pests. If using a pesticide is the only practical method of controlling the pest, be sure to use the least toxic.  Consult the label or contact the Extension Office to determine which is                                                                least toxic.

     **Organic pesticides are toxic. Many home gardeners feel that if the pesticide is organic it must be safe. Ironically, some of the most dangerous pesticides are organic. Never assume organic pesticides are safe.  All pesticides, both chemical and organic, are designed to kill. 

     **Read the label and follow instructions.  Often I hear  about home gardeners that use "just a capful” to control a pest.  Read and follow recommendations to the letter. Pesticides rates vary depending on the type of pest to be controlled.  Never use more than the recommended rates. The label is the final word on how to use the pesticide.  There will be a phone number on the label with more detailed instructions or emergency information concerning the pesticide. Contact the Cooperative Extension Service should you have questions concerning the use of pesticides around the home or garden.

Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. For archived garden columns or other information, visit the Rowan County Master Gardener web site at www.rowanmastergardener.com , e-mail Darrell_Blackwelder@ncsu.edu