Pest Control - Chemical Pesticides

 Chemical Pesticides

If you have a pest problem serious enough to require the use of a chemical pesticide, check the product label to be sure both the plant and pest are listed. Read The Entire Label Carefully and, above all, Follow The Directions Exactly. Remember that The Label Is The Law, literally,for pesticide application. By using higher application rates than the directions call for, you will only waste money and risk contaminating the environment without eliminating any more of the pests.

The following recommendations can reduce pesticide impacts.

• Use the fewest number of applications possible,and use only when necessary.
• When possible, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil rather than a longer residual synthetic insecticide.
• If synthetic insecticide is to be used, try to use one with a short residual activity.
• Use granular formulations or systemics (which are absorbed into the plant through the roots or leaf
surfaces) instead of long-lasting foliar sprays.
• If possible, time pesticide applications for when natural enemy populations will not be harmed, such as
during pupation or when they are on another host plant.
• Use reduced rates whenever possible and treat only infested plants, not entire areas.

When selecting and using chemical pesticides, keep in mind that low toxicity does NOT mean non-poisonous! It means that these pesticides pose the least environmental risk, as they tend to break down rapidly into non-toxic components when exposed to air, high temperatures, and sunlight.