"Insects...are the most important
component of the ecosystem, an integral part of the food
chain...without insects the vast majority of flowering
plants would not be able
to reproduce. A miniscule fraction of this huge group
of animals are pests to human beings...Spraying powerful
poisons that kill all exposed insects is no more 'management'
of pests than killing everyone in New York city would
be managing urban crime." |
| David Suzuki, "The
Folly of Chemical Pest Control" |
Managing Insects Effectively
and Safely
Common Insects of Concern to Albertans
Suggested Reading
Managing Insects Effectively
and Safely
Diatomaceous Earth
| Diatomaceous earth is the fossilized remains
of ancient one-celled sea creatures. It has sharp edges
that kill slugs, snails, aphids and spider mites, while
remaining unharmful to humans, animals, and earthworms. |
Healthy Gardening Practices to Avoid Insect
Problems
- Practice crop rotation and companion
planting.
- Use humus-rich soil.
- Maintain a debris-free garden. |
Lavender Essential Oil or Citronella
| - Apply with lotion or sunscreen to repel
mosquitos. |
Manual Removal
- Remove insects manually; hand pick or
use a spray of water.
- For dealing with insects such as aphids, whiteflies,
and mites. Combine 2 tbsp. dishwashing soap
with a gallon of warm water; use as spray. For increased
effect, add black tea, citrus oils, or peppermint extract.
|
Physical Barriers and Traps
- Use floating row covers to exclude insect
pests.
- Suit plants with collars to deter cutworms.
- Set up insect traps and lures: pheromone baits will
attract insects to the traps. |
Ascention’s Bug-Off Mosquito Repellent
- Get ready with these
easy all natural mosquito repellents that you can make
at home. To view this document, you
will require Acrobat
Reader.  |
| Common Insects of Concern
to Albertans |
|
Yellow-headed Bruce Sawfly
- Accept some Sawflies.
- Deal with problems in small doses.
- Use a spray of water.
- Use insecticidal soap; blocks insects' air exchange. |
Aphids
- Aphids will not kill a tree or shrub.
- Occur cyclically.
- Use natural predators: native species ladybugs.
Ladybugs are available at:
Westgro
1557 Hastings Crescent SE
287-3988
www.growercentral.com
|
Elm Bark Beetles - Dutch Elm Disease
- Elm bark beetles attack internally, breeding
under the bark of dead and dying elm wood.
It is therefore ineffective to spray, and instead preventative
pruning is required.
- Preventative pruning of dead branches from healthy elm
trees should be done between September 30
and April 1, when the beetles are inactive. The resultant
wood pieces should be burned immediately, not stored.
- Elm tree stumps should be removed or ground to 10 cm
below the soil surface and the hole filled
with soil.
- Elms should not be pruned between April 1 and September
30 as the sap from pruning wounds will attract
the beetles. Only prune during this time if absolutely
necessary. |
The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease
Control: A complete problem-solving guide to keeping your
garden and yard healthy without chemicals.
By: B.W. Ellis and F.M. Bradley
Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, 1996
Using Beneficial Insects: Garden soil builders, pollinators,
and predators.
By: Rhonda Massingham Hart
Pownal, Vermont: Storey Communications, 1991
Controlling Pests and Disease
By: P.S. Michelak and L.A. Gilkeson
Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, 1994
Common Sense Pest Control: Least toxic solutions for your
home, garden, pets and community.
By: W. Olkowski, S. Daar, and H. Olkowski
Newtown, CT: The Taunton Press, 1991
The Gardener's Weed Book: Earth-safe controls.
By: Barbara Pleasant
Pownal, Vermont: Storey Communications, 1996
Rodale Press Publications on Organic Gardening
www.rodalepress.com
|
