|
The following advice is from the Detroit Audubon Society's newsletter,
Flyway, Mar/Apr., 2001:
1. GO ORGANIC
- Organic rock fertilizers and limestone release their
nutrients slowly and are less likely to leach into the groundwater than a
bag of 8-8-8 garden fertilizer. Rank green growth, often caused by over
fertilization or excessive nitrogen, is an open invitation for many pests
and diseases. Composting is an excellent way to make your own fertilizer,
and needed organic matter to the soil, and dispose of biodegradable wastes
too. Adding cow manure in the mix often eliminates the need for fungicides.
2. GET TOUGH TURF
-Some turf varieties have high levels of endophytes, a
fungus that poses no harm to the grass but is lethal to common lawn pests
such as aphids, billbugs and sod sebworms. Tall fescue, zoysiagrass and
Bermuda grass are generally highly resistant to insects.
3. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS
-Before you purchase and apply any pesticides, read the
label. Pesticide labels carry critical details about how to use the product
safely.
4. GO LIGHTLY
-Try nontoxic methods first. You can control some insect
outbreaks by merely picking the bugs off your plants and drowning them in
soapy water. Aphids can often be controlled by vigorously hosing down your
plants for three days in a row. Box-elder bugs can be controlled with a
vacuum cleaner. If you have infestations of bagworms or tent caterpillars,
simply prune the webs out. You'll have greener foliage next year.
5. PROTECT YOURSELF -Wear protective clothing when using pesticides. The EPA
recommends wearing gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and closed
shoes. Mix the pesticide according to directions and don't spray near water
sources or if the wind is blowing more than 10 miles per hour.
6. KNOW YOUR ENEMIES
-Get a good field guide to insects. Some species of
white grubs, for instance, hatch just once every seven years, so if you're
treating your lawn every spring with diazinon for those grubs, you are not
only wasting money but you're killing beneficial insects.
7. PICK YOUR PESTICIDES
-Organophosphate insecticides (such as diazinon and
chlorpyrifos) are among the worst wildlife killers on the market and often
pose the greatest health risk. These "shotgun" chemicals, so called because
they kill a broad range of insects, are usually cheaper than newer, less
toxic products, but their ecological price is high. Synthetic pyrethroids
are more selective and normally much less toxic , though they also can harm
beneficial insects. The EPA publishes the "Citizens Guide to Pest Control
and Pesticide Safety," a free booklet available by calling (703)-305-5017.
8. MOW CORRECTLY
-Bad mowing is a common cause of insect and weed problems.
In general, mow high, mow often and make sure the mower blades are sharp.
Weeds have trouble taking root in grass 2.5 to 3.5 inches long. If the
clippings are relatively short, they will decompose quickly and can provide
as much as half your lawn's nitrogen needs.
9. USE BIOLOGICAL WARFARE
-Try a biological control or a biopesticide, most
of which have very little environmental impact.
10. TEACH TOLERANCE
-Be tolerant. A natural yard is not a monoculture but an
abundant variety of pests, predators,, weeds and our favorite plant species.
Many bugs are dinner for birds. Put out a bird feeder and a birdbath.
Integrated pest management (1PM) is a growing movement of pest control --
nature's ways. |
