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Managing Yard Pests Video.
Insect pests can wreak havoc on the landscape around your home bychewing holes in flowers and leave, boring tunnels in wood, and stripping rings of bark around trunks. The damage these insects do can weaken and even kill our plants.
Although many homeowners are quick to pull out the chemical warfare and spray the little pests to death, pesticides can upset the balance in the environment of your landscape. Most people aren't too keen on handling chemicals, dusts, and sprays either. Concerns about human health, the environment, and pesticide resistance have all resulted in much more scrutiny on the use of pesticides in and around the home.
It is unrealistic, and even unwise, to strive for an insect-, disease-, and weed-free yard. Many insects are beneficial, helping to keep pests under natural control. Many other insects simply coexist with humans causing us no harm.
"Living green" means get to know some the garden "good guys." Help protect these beneficial insects, so they can naturally keep pests under control. For more information see: Beneficial Insects
From Top Left to Right: Lady Beetle, Assasin Bug, Green Lacewing Larva, Green Lacewing Adult, Big-Eyed Bug, Earwig, Syrphid Fly Larva, Syrphid Fly Adult.
The best approach to handling pest problems in your landscape is a well-rounded one that includes good garden practices, prevention, and, when needed, safe controls. With such an approach, your landscape can be beautiful and healthy year after year.
Communities and individuals are successfully managing pests by protecting beneficials and reducing the use of pesticides. By definition, pests include insects, diseases (such as viruses), and weeds. It is easy to practice IPM in your yard.
For additional information, please visit: Applying Integrated Pest Management.