When To Use Pest Control

Integrated Pest Management is the best tool to use in dealing with pests in the garden, but what is IPM?

"A decision making process using effective, economical and environmentally sound techniques and methods to suppress pests in order to sustain a healthy landscape."

Involves LEARNING - We all have an obligation for RESPONSIBLE management of our landscapes

What is IPM? - Involves 7 inter-related steps

1. Setting Realistic Objectives

• What kind of results do I want from my rose garden?
• Perfect, prize winning roses or filling in spots?

2. Determination of Action Threshold

• Wait until infestation occurs or take preventative action?
• How much damage will I tolerate?
• How much damage will the rose bush tolerate?

3. Pest Identification

• Chewing insect vs. sucking insect
• Above ground attack vs. below soil attack
• Internal insect vs. external
• Type of disease

4. Monitoring the Problem

• Determine the susceptibility of your rose type to the identified insect or disease
• Find out what conditions encourage the problem
• Are any other shrubs and plants affected?
• Is problem apparent in neighbouring gardens?
• Use of sticky traps can measure insect populations

5. Physical and Natural Intervention

• Knock off a few aphids with a water blast
• Use sulphur for disease control
• Use pyrethrin for insects
• Be aware of product limitations

6. Pest Reduction Management

Using cultural, nutritional practices and registered pest control products to reduce pest problem to acceptable level
Involves selection of appropriate product (Consult Garden Centre Expert)

7. Evaluate the Methods and Results

• Was the problem contained and reduced?
• Should intervention occur earlier next time?
• Could any preventative steps have been taken?

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