Insecticides

Various insects in gardens can be managed or tolerated without resorting to using insecticides. However, there are some situations and under specific circumstances that the use of insecticides may be necessary. Reducing dependence on insecticides for garden pest control can be done by using chemical controls integrated with other techniques like mechanical removal, biological control, and sanitation. Additionally, it’s possible and even enviable to tolerate some pests instead of striving to eliminate all insects from the garden.

Choosing And Application

When the need to use an insecticide in the garden arise, it’s important to choose it carefully with the “least toxic” option. Apply insecticides during the right time when pests are most vulnerable, typically when they’re still small, as well as before any damage becomes severe. Also, the right time would be when the beneficial insects like pollinators and other natural enemies are least affected –avoid spraying insecticides on blooming plants.

It is also crucial to read labels of products in choosing insecticides. Search for instructions on applying the insecticide to types or sites of the plant intended to treat. This is particularly critical in choosing insecticides that will be used for orchard or home vegetable garden.

Lots of outdoor insecticides are tagged for ornamental plants use, but can’t be used for food crops. Thus, reading and following important directions on labels like applicator and environmental hazards, treatable pests and plants, application amount, reapplication frequency, and the length of time to wait before harvesting the food crops that have been treated.

There are also natural insecticides alternatives for pest control. Natural insecticides are those insecticides derived from nature rather than synthesized components from various chemicals. A natural insecticide is comprised of chemicals as well; the difference is the “natural” source of the chemicals. Natural insecticides have the tendency to biodegrade rapidly, and have been established to be moderately harmless to health and the environment.

Safely Applying Insecticides In The Garden

Insecticides when applied correctly can be an effective and fairly safe way of controlling destructive insects that feed on garden plants and spread disease.

Step 1
Test sprayers every time they’re used. Fill the sprayer with water, and pump-up pressure to test and see that its nozzle isn’t plugged. Release pressure through unscrewing its lid slightly.

Step 2

Remove the sprayer’s lid, and leave its testing water in a tank.

Step 3

Exactly measure the quantity of insecticide to be used; ensure it the amount is according to the directions on its label. Add insecticide to water in sprayer, and rinse its measuring device by putting in more water to its tank to create the balance.

Step 4

Screw the sprayer’s top, and be careful not to cross its threads. Tighten it so the pressure won’t escape from its tank.

Step 5

Pump its handle to raise the pressure in the tank.

Step 6

Spray plants, ensuring that both lower and upper sides of plant leaves are covered, as these are where insects usually hide.

Step 7

Spray-out everything inside the tank. Do not leave unused insecticides inside tanks.

Step 8

Clean empty tanks in the dirt area, and never in the sink or on concretes; never allow the unused insecticide to go through storm drains as they can harm aquatic life and fish.

Step 9

Rinse a tank three times separately. Spray clean water through its nozzle every time.

It is always a better option to use organic insecticides like insecticidal soap, as they’re least toxic. The proper time to apply insecticides is when the pests are feeding, typically early mornings or early evenings. Spray on infested plants only, as insecticides can also kill “good” bugs. Most importantly, always read and follow directions on labels for a safer application.