Managing Insects in the Garden

Manage Insects in your Garden!

As we approach the summer months, increased heat and humidity means that insects become more prevalent in the garden. To effectively control pests in your garden it is beneficial to be informed of common insects you may find and the respective treatment options. With the proper products and plans in place, garden pests can be managed, and your plants kept healthy!

Product Recomendation

When dealing with mites and aphids in the garden, we recommend using a pyrethrin or neem-based product.  One specific product available is the Fertilome Triple Action. In addition to pyrethrin, this product also contains neem, making it very effective. This 3-way product is for control of insects, diseases, and mites on vegetables, fruits, herbs, roses, flowers, and shrubs. It can be used up to the day of harvest which makes this a convenient option! This is an OMRI Organic product that can be used in certified organic gardening.

Another option for control of aphids, thrips, spider mites, and lace bugs is 55% Malathion. The ingredient Malathion provides control of aphids, thrips, spider mites, lace bugs, adult Japanese beetles, and tent caterpillars. In addition to fruit trees and vegetables, this product can also be used on flowering and non-flowering plants. Malathion should not be applied to fruit and vegetable plants within 7 days of harvest.

If looking to combat bagworms, worms, and other chewing insects, Spinosad is an excellent choice. Spinosad is also a great option for controlling potato beetles. Thrips, ants, as well as various other pests listed on the product label are managed by Spinosad. This is an OMRI Organic product that can be used in certified organic gardening. Dipel Dust is an additional product recommendation for control of worms or chewing insects on your vegetables and flowers. This product kills tomato hornworms, bagworms, armyworms, webworms, gypsy moth larvae, cankerworms, loopers, tent caterpillars, and other listed worms. If selecting this dust option, thoroughly cover all plant surfaces and apply them when insects or their damage first appear.

For the control of caterpillars, bagworms, tomato hornworms, and cabbage loopers, we recommend Caterpillar Killer Spray with Bt. This product kills worms and caterpillar stage insects, but has no effect on birds, earthworms, or beneficial insects, such as honeybees and ladybugs, when used as directed. Worms and caterpillars stop feeding after eating the treated foliage. This product can be used on edible plants up to the day of harvest.

Natural Insect Control

If desiring natural insect control, introducing ladybugs to your garden can be very beneficial in managing undesired insects. Ladybugs can greatly reduce the population of pests in your garden and are a great natural alternative to using insecticide. Ladybugs are specifically great for managing aphids. Another natural option is planting scented plants that deter insects. Marigolds are a great choice as they attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, while deterring other unwanted pests.

Stop by our retail store to check out additional options for managing insects in your garden. Feel free to reach out to us through social media or send us an email at info@rohrerseeds.com!