HOME, YARD & GARDEN
Homeowners and landscapers often ask the same questions:
“What is wrong with my favorite plant." Or “I’ve got BUGS! How do I kill them?”
The first step in any pest control program is to identify the problem. Sometimes it isn’t a disease or insect that causes of the unusual symptoms you see. In many cases, environmental conditions are the cause of the problem. And in other situations, the wrong product or strategy is being used to try to control the pest. For these reasons, it is best to follow what is known as “Integrated Pest Management (IPM)” practices to take a thorough and effective approach to pest control. IPM is a systematic approach to arrive at a solution to your pest problem.
Here is a summary of the process: Identify the pest (if any…) and determine the extent of the problem?
1. Consider prevention strategies (ie. resistant plants, pest exclusion, sanitation)
2. Consider cultural / mechanical practices (ie. hoeing, hand picking, vacuum?)
3. Consider chemical controls – if situation is severe, and follow label directions / precautions.
4. Monitor / scout the area for possible re-infestation / re-infection – and evaluate.
If you need assistance with problem or pest identification or if you need control recommendations, contact Purdue Extension. We have many diagnostic tools, references, and resources to help you answer your yard and garden questions.