PEST CONTROL RECOMMEDATIONS
While working with customers, we're constantly learning about their needs and a list of how to cure your plants of different parasites. If your question isn't addressed below, get in touch with us and we'll provide the information you need.
HOW TO TREAT ANTHRACNOSE
1.
To avoid spreading the disease, keep out of area when plants are wet and make sure to disinfect all garden tools (one part bleach to 4 parts water) after use.
2.
Do not compost infected leaves or stems, and thoroughly clean plants of diseased leaves.
3.
Safely treat most fungal and bacterial diseases with SERENADE Garden. This broad spectrum bio-fungicide uses a patented strain of Bacillus subtitles that is registered for organization use. Best of all, SERENADE is completely non-toxic to honey needs and beneficial insects.
4.
Neem oil spray is an organic, multi-purpose fungicide/insecticide/miticide that kills eggs, larvae, and adult stages of insects as well as prevents fungal attack on plants. Apply early, at the first sign of spring budding, every 7-14 days as a preventative measure or on a 7-day schedule until existing problems are eliminated.
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Website Reference: Planet Natural - Anthracnose Disease: Symptoms, Treatment and Control
HOW TO TREAT APHIDS
1.
Commercially available beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewing are important natural predators. For best results, make releases when pest levels are low to medium. If populations are high, use a least-toxic, short-lived natural pesticide to establish control, and then release predatory insects to maintain control.
2.
Apply 100% organic Diatomaceous Earth for long-lasting protection. Made up of tiny fossilized aquatic organisms, that look like broken glass under the microscope, DE kills by scoring an insect's outer layer as it crawls over the fine powder. Contains NO toxic poisons!
3.
Safer®Soap will work fast on heavy infestations. A short-lived natural pesticide, it works by damaging the outer layer of soft-bodied insect pests, causing dehydration and death within hours. Apply 2.5 oz/gallon of water when insects are present, repeat every 7-10 days as needed.
4.
BotaniGard ES is a highly effective biological insecticide containing Beauveria bassiana and an entomopathogenic fungus that attacks a long-list of troublesome crop pests - even resistant strains! Weekly applications can prevent insect population explosions and provide protection equal to or better than conventional chemical pesticides.
5.
Made for use indoors or out Bon-Neem is a unique blend of potassium soaps derived from Indian Neem tree seed and other natural sources. Specially formulated as a ready-to-use spray that kills most insect pests on contact.
6.
Horticultural oils should be applied early in the season or late in the fall to destroy overwintering eggs.
7.
Fast-acting botanical insecticides should be used as last resort. Derived from plants which have insecticidal properties, these natural pesticides have fewer harmful side effects than synthetic chemicals and break down more quickly in the environment.
8.
Do not overwater or over-fertilize - aphids like plants with high nitrogen levels and soft new growth. Use organic fertilizers which release nutrients slowly.
Website Reference: Planet Natural - How to Get Rid of Aphids
HOW TO TREAT MEALYBUGS
1.
Prune out light infestations or dab insects with a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol.
2.
Do not over water or over fertilize - mealybugs are attracted to plants with high nitrogen levels and soft growth.
3.
Commercially available beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, lacewing and the Mealybug Destroyer (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri), are important natural predators of this pest.
4.
Safer® Insecticidal Soap will work fast on heavy infestations. A short-lived natural pesticide, it works by damaging the outer layer of soft-bodied insect pests, causing dehydration and death within hours. Apply 2.5 oz/gallon of water when insects are present, repeat every 7-10 days as needed.
5.
Neem oil disrupts the growth and development of pest insects and has repellent and antifeedant properties. Best of all, it's non-toxic to honey bees and many other beneficial insects. Mix 1 oz/gallon of water and spray every 7-14 days, as needed.
6.
BotaniGard ES is a highly effective biological insecticide containing Beauveria bassiana, an entomopathogenic fungus that attacks a long list of troublesome crop pests - even resistant strains! Weekly applications can prevent insect population explosions and provide protection equal to or better than conventional chemical pesticides.
7.
Fast-acting botanical insecticides should be used as last resort. Derived from plants which have insecticidal properties, these natural pesticides have fewer harmful side effects than synthetic chemicals and break down more quickly in the environment.
8.
Washing foliage regularly with a leaf shine will help discourage future infestations.
Website Reference: Planet Natural - How to Get Rid of Mealy Bugs
HOW TO TREAT SCALE INSECT
1.
To get rid of scale insects, prune and dispose of infested branches, twigs, and leaves.
2.
When scale numbers are low, they may be rubbed or picked off plants by hand.
3.
Dabbing individual pests with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab or neem-based leaf shine will also work when infestations are light.
4.
Commercially available beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewing, are natural predators of the young larval or "crawler" stage.
5.
Organic pesticides, like insecticidal soap and d-Limonene can also be used to kill the larvae. However, these products have very little persistence in the environment, so several applications during egg-hatching will be required for effective control.
6.
Azamax contains azadirachtin, the key insecticidal ingredient found in need oil. This concentrated spray is approved for organic use and offers multiple models of actin, making it virtually impossible for pest resistance to develop. Best of all, it's non-toxic honey bees and many other beneficial insects.
7.
Fast-acting botanical insecticides should be used as last resort. Derived from plants which have insecticidal properties, these natural pesticides have fewer harmful side effects than synthetic chemicals and break down more quickly in the environment.
8.
Horticultural oils and other safe, oil-based insecticides work by smothering insects and will control all pest stages, including adults which are protected from most other insecticides by their armor coverings.
Website Reference: Planet Natural - How to Control Scale Insects
HOW TO TREAT SPIDER MITES
1.
Commercially available beneficial insects and predatory mites are important natural enemies. For best results, make releases when pest levels are low to medium.
2.
Nuke Em, a relatively new organic insecticide containing food-grade ingredients, works fast and kills most indoor gardening pests at the egg and adult stage. Best of all, it does this without leaving a residue on the leaves that can impact flavor.
3.
Mix Pure Neem Oil with Coco-Wet and apply every 3-5 days to kill pest eggs indoors and interrupt the reproductive cycle. Make sure to spray all plant parts, including the undersides of leaves. Do NOT apply when temperatures exceed 90°F and wait at least six hours before turning on lights.
4.
Insecticidal soap or botanical insecticides can be used to spot treat heavily infested areas.
5.
Dust on leaves, branches, and fruit encourages mites. A mid-season hosing (or two!) to remove dust from trees is a worthwhile preventative.
6.
Water stress makes both trees and garden plants more susceptible to mite infestations. Make sure your plants are properly watered.
7.
Fast-acting botanical insecticides should be used as last resort. Derived from plants which have insecticidal properties, these natural pesticides have fewer harmful side effects than synthetic chemicals and break down more quickly in the environment.
8.
Horticultural oils and other safe, oil-based insecticides work by smothering insects and will control all pest stages, including adults which are protected from most other insecticides by their armor coverings.
Website Reference: Planet Natural - Spider Mites SUCK!