EL PASO — It’s Spring. Plants are growing, flowers are blooming and you can bet that those pesky bugs will be right in the middle of things.
So what do we do? Typically, we head for the local lawn and garden center and buy the first pesticide we see — then spray, spray, spray.
Unfortunately this is often a serious mistake; most home garden pest problems can be handled by following a few simple steps.
“First, and foremost, identify the pest and host plant you are dealing with,” advised Charles Payne, an entomologist with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service.
The Extension Service can assist you in identifying pests and can recommend various methods for getting rid of them, Payne said. In addition, once you know what pest you are dealing with, try some other approaches before buying that bug spray.
In most cases, it may just be a question of applying a strong direct stream of water to the affected plant. This usually works by washing away the pests. If this does not alleviate the problem, Payne recommends using a mixture of 1 tablespoon of dish washing liquid to a gallon of water. Apply this to the affected plant with a sprayer. This process works well on aphids and spider mites. Make sure to use dish washing liquid — Ivory and Dawn work well.
If at all possible use alternatives to spraying. Utilize a strong stream of water, a dish washing liquid/water mixture, or nature’s way — using beneficial insects such as lady bugs and spiders.
If you must spray, don’t overdo it. Practice minimal use of pesticides, and remember to use proper safety gear when spraying.
“Don’t spray your yard in shorts and sandals; always wear gloves, protective glasses, and long sleeves,” Payne said. “Most importantly, read the label! If you must spray, there are common insecticides such as Malathion, Diazinon and Carbaryl.”
A good pesticide alternative, Payne said, is BT (Bacillus thuringiensis), a naturally occurring bacterial disease that kills some insects. It is produced and sold under a variety of names such as Thuricide, Dipel, Biological Worm Spray. BT is effective in the control of most caterpillars, such as tomato hornworm.
For more information, contact Payne at the El Paso Extension Service office, (915) 859-7725.
