PEST MANAGEMENT GUIDE

The topic of pest management in the world of ornamental plants is complex and there are many approaches to creating integrated pest management (IPM) protocols. The guides below only cover the insecticidal approach for ornamental plants only (not to be used on plants that you intend to eat). Some of the insecticides mentioned are only to be used inside, as they are not pollinator friendly and will be marked accordingly. The most important directive in pest management is correctly identifying the pest and choosing the insecticides and miticides that are least harmful to the environment and beneficial insects, especially if used on plants that are even occasionally kept outside

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Spider Mites

  2. Thrips

  3. Mealybugs

  4. Fungus Gnats

  5. Aphids

  6. Whiteflies

  7. Soft Scales

  8. Armored scales

GLOSSARY

  • Systemic – a pesticide that is absorbed into the plant either through the roots or the leaves where it then works its way through the rest of the plant. Typically provides long term residual protection

  • Translaminar – pesticides in which the material (spray solution) penetrates leaf tissues and forms a reservoir of active ingredient within the leaf and provides residual protection. The pesticide will work its way from top side to bottom side of a treated leaf but unlike systemics they will not be transported to other parts of the plant

  • Control – effectively reducing the population to 0 or near zero

  • Suppress – reduce numbers enough to prevent the pestsfrom killing the plant but not eradicating the pest completely

  • Insecticidal soap – real soap made from fat and lye which has the necessary potassium salts of fatty acids for insecticidal activity. Dr. Bronner’s or Safer insecticidal soap are two example

REFERENCES