InseetieifiPv Around the Home

ect pc"^sts ax-ound the home has increased in importance in
'-rsirnge in home lands aping and vegetable gardening.
. effeccive and eco Lovically safe insecticide home--
. f il -jei ing array of products for controlling in-

depends on three factors j correct idemti'-
opei- control methods, and careful attention
ecautions on pesticide labels.

: -Jt the most common insect pests requires a
body structure , life stages, and characteristi.
.lliar insect pests can be identified using non-
ir horticulture and gardening books. The Farm

ioner, or the Department of Arboreta and Botanic
r identification of insects.

rvlETHODS OF CONTROL

GlU-'fUlRAL CONTROL methods reduce pest damage through careful plant selection,
rotation ot ciops to avoid pest buildup , and maintaining plant health and vigor
nrdening practices. Nurseries and garden centers offer a wide variety
'ng trees, shrubs, and grounJcovers which are remarkably pest free in
Lifcrnia, Sanitary procedures in the garden , such as weed removal ,
• ivat I. on, and removal of plant debris for composting or disposal can
damage substantially.

MECHANICAL CONTROLS involve the physical removal of pests, or barriers which
reduce iasect movement or damage . Hand picking of large caterpillars such as

Tomato Horn worm can be effective foi' s-iall areas. A forceful spray of water
i.s effective in removing and drowning many insects, particularly aphids. A
gli.ie-like product applied in a band ai-ound woody stems is useful in stopping I

the movement of ants a )d associated aphids and scale insects* \

BiOLOfiieAL CONTROL methods offer a safe, effective, and long term approa.ch to |

keepirj>T inject pests under control. Natural insect predators, parasites, and \

dise..Hes obtain ...i-hly specific results — that is, the target pest is con- ;

trolled without injury to beneficial insects or wildlife. Mass^ rearing of lady \
beetles and praying mantis has made these insect predators available to the

hoTueLA-meT . Another effective^ though short lived, biological control is a pro^- '

duct containing dried spores of Bacillus thuringinens is . ^ Mixed with water and \

applied to foliage this bacteria causes certain types c"'™ chewine caterpill r.a-s \

and worms to atop feeding and die. |

CHEIiiCAL CONTROL measures are best us-
prove ineffective. There are disadvant-
include possible injury to beneficial i\
accumulation of persistant insecticides
hrfzar^-^s require informed and cautious us

(Over)

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELLS DEPARTMENT OF ARBORETA S BOTANIC GARDENS • 301 North Baldwin Avenue • Arcodia • CA. 91006 —

„2-

. insecticide labels i

Dipel, Thuricide (Baci-lus thuringii

Petroleum oils
Malathion
Kelthane (dicofol)
Sevin (carbaryl)
Metaldehyde
Diazinon

Meta-systox R (demeton)

and house
i: will give
toxicity
-uce only and
listed within parentheses,
ctive ingredients" .

Beetles
Borers

Cabbage Worm
Caterpillars

Codling Moths

Cutworms

Diabrotica

Earwigs
Flies

Grasshoppers

Lawn Moths
Leaf Hoppers

Leaf Miners

3,5,7,8
3,7,8

Mealybugs

Mosquitos

Oak Moths

Scale

Slugs

Snails

Sowbugs

Soil Mealybugs
Spider Mites
Spittle Bugs
Termites
Thrips
Weevils
Whiteflies
Wireworms

2,4,8
2,5,7,8

Consult Exterminator

3,5,7,8

3,5,7

3,5,7,8

SAFETY

Before opening any insecticide read all label directions and safety precautions
and follow them carefully for safe and effective pest control. Signal words on
the label provide guidelines to determine the chemical's toxicity to humans •
"DANGER" or "POISON" with the skull and crossbones symbol means highly toxic.
"WARNING" means moderately toxic and "CAUTION" indicates slightly toxic. All
insecticides are a potential hazard to the user and should be stored and disposed
of in accordance with label instructions.

Additional information can be obtained at:

Los Angeles State and County Arboretum - 446-8251

Descanso Gardens - 790-5571

South Coast Botanic Garden - 772-5813

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