GROW SMART, GROW SAFE

   Insects >>  Manage problems wisely

Use non-chemical controls. They are the least-hazardous methods.

• A forceful water spray will knock aphids off plant leaves. It works just as well as a pesticide.
• Sticky tape can keep root weevils from climbing up your rhododendrons.
• Traps are effective against wasps, moths and whiteflies.

Use biological controls. "Good bugs" are beneficial insects that do the dirty work for you.

• Lacewings, ladybugs and dragonflies are voracious predators.
• Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a naturally-occurring bacterium that produces a caterpillar-killing toxin.
• Beneficial nematodes are tiny worms that control root weevils, crane flies and other pests that live in the soil.
• These good bugs are already in your yard if you avoid pesticides and use Natural Yard Care techniques. They can also be purchased and released.

Use pesticides only as a last resort.

• Pesticides are designed to kill things and pose varying risks to people, pets and beneficial insects.
• Pesticides can lead to even more pests because pest populations bounce back more quickly than the beneficial insects.
• Smart spot-spraying targets just the problem and keeps pesticide use to small amounts.