ID before spraying for bugs

Q. Can you send me information on putting something into the ground to kill insects?

Randy from Youngstown

A. We get lots of questions regarding, “What can I spray?” While we understand the frustration of homeowners with insects eating their plants and invading their homes, we want everyone to understand spraying is not the only or best option when it comes to insect control.

While we may think insects are attacking our plants, it may be another problem. Thus, gardeners need to implement an Integrated Pest Management plan for the yard and garden. This process starts with identifying what’s causing the damage. It might be an insect, or might be a disease. I encourage homeowners to use a headlight from your local home improvement store (the new version of a miner’s light) to look at plants late into the evening or early in the morning. This will help you find insects that you may not see during the day. Once an insect is found, get it identified to see if it is a good or bad one. Many samples we get at our office are actually beneficial bugs. If a nuisance bug is found, there are several options for control. Cultural controls include proper mulching, adequate fertility, correct soil pH and choosing the proper location for the plant. Keeping plants healthy will prevent many insects and diseases from becoming problems. Mechanical controls, such as hand-picking insects off plants, or caulking to prevent entry into homes work in many cases. Sanitary controls such as cleaning up leaf debris and rotting fruit and mulching properly will keep plants healthy and make it more difficult for insects to become a problem. Cleaning up weeds and leaf litter will limit hiding places for insects.

While we may think insects are attacking our plants, it may be another problem. Thus, gardeners need to implement an Integrated Pest Management plan for the yard and garden. This process starts with identifying what’s causing the damage. It might be an insect, or might be a disease. I encourage homeowners to use a headlight from your local home improvement store (the new version of a miner’s light) to look at plants late into the evening or early in the morning. This will help you find insects that you may not see during the day. Once an insect is found, get it identified to see if it is a good or bad one. Many samples we get at our office are actually beneficial bugs. If a nuisance bug is found, there are several options for control. Cultural controls include proper mulching, adequate fertility, correct soil pH and choosing the proper location for the plant. Keeping plants healthy will prevent many insects and diseases from becoming problems. Mechanical controls, such as hand-picking insects off plants, or caulking to prevent entry into homes work in many cases. Sanitary controls such as cleaning up leaf debris and rotting fruit and mulching properly will keep plants healthy and make it more difficult for insects to become a problem. Cleaning up weeds and leaf litter will limit hiding places for insects.

Spraying should be the last option. If you bring a sample to our office we’ll help you with proper identification and control measures.

To learn more: http://go.osu.edu/extensionIPM.

Eric Barrett is OSU Extension educator for agriculture and natural resources in Mahoning County. Call the office hot line at 330-533-5538 from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Thursdays to submit your questions.