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Get rid of pests in the garden

Spring is just around the corner. Plants and flowers are budding, and gardens will begin to bear fruits and vegetables for the family to enjoy. Gardeners aren't alone in their plans to feast on the outcome of their hard work, however. Pests, such as aphids, ants, squirrels and snails are as commonplace as weeds in a garden and can destroy the plans a gardener may have to enjoy the fruits of their hard labor.

For agriculturists who want to fight their gardens' saboteurs, it is best to know their enemy, identify what they can do to protect their crops, and what is needed to eradicate them.

Dave Paulino, Fallbrook store manager for Grangetto's Farm and Garden supply, offered several methods and treatments available to eradicate various pests in the garden and lawned

"There are both organic and conventional methods to get rid of pests," Paulino said. "However, it is very important for gardeners to be cautious with what they buy, as many pesticides are label-specific."

If a gardener is uncertain which pest is attacking their garden, Paulino recommended bringing in a sample or piece of the affected plant into a local nursery for professional help.

"If we can't identify the culprit, we will send the sample to our entomologist for research," Paulino said. "We will do all we can at a garden store level to help you with your garden pests."

Insect sprays and the bugs they destroy

Aphids, mealybugs, whitefly and mites are frequent pests found on both edible and ornamental plants. For effective removal of these particular garden assailants, Paulino recommended organic products Dr. Earth Home & Garden Insect Spray or Dr. Earth Fruit & Vegetable Spray for treatment.

"This spray is available in both concentrate and ready-to-use formulas," Paulino said.

The blend of garlic extract, rosemary, cinnamon and clove, coconut, mineral, wintergreen and safflower oils, molasses and water is certified organic. An insecticidal spray such as the Dr. Earth product would wash off the following pests and insects, as well as remove their protective waxy covering, allowing them to be killed easily. The following bugs are dramatically affected by insecticidal sprays.

If the rose bushes in your garden have twisted, distorted or moldy leaves, it is a telltale sign of aphids. These creatures have soft, oval-shaped bodies, enjoy destroying the buds of rose bushes, and leave a sweet residue that attracts other pests. Aphids may be winged and come in a large range of colors, including green, pink, red and black. Beware, though, as these pesky critters tend to curl leaves around themselves and take cover in protected parts of the plant.

If your plants have yellowed, dark or dirty patches, the garden may have mealybugs. A cluster of these insects looks like a clump of lint and can be found on the underside of a leaf or twigs. These insects destroy plants by sucking plant juices and damaging plant tissues. Citrus, apple and peach trees are favorites of the mealybug, along with grapes and potatoes.

If little dots or clusters of yellow show up on otherwise green plants, then they may have mites, which look like little tiny specks of color – yellow, red or green. They are related to the spider, having eight legs. Mites are attracted to dusty leaves, so keep leaves clean. They also prefer plants affected by drought conditions.

Whitefly – small, fly-like insects with white colored wings – are some of the most difficult garden pests to control because of their fast-growing numbers and resistance to pesticides. These critters infect a huge range of hosts including bedding plants, strawberries, tomatoes and poinsettias. Hiding on the underside of leaves where they multiply rapidly, whitefly feed on plant juices and can consume a considerable amount of nutrients, causing plants to pale in color. Like aphids, they also excrete honeydew, attracting black sooty, moldy fungus and ants.

If you notice leaves that appear to shrink and curl up, you may have thrips, tiny little pests that scrape tissue from flowers and leaves and then drink the plant juices. Thrips infestations keep flowers and leaves from opening normally, and they'll look twisted or stuck together. You'll also notice small black fecal pellets that thrips deposit when they feed.

The "new" conventional pesticides and the insects they destroy

Many gardeners are wary of using conventional insecticidal products, as they have the stigma of being harmful. However, new products are being developed by insecticidal companies that are more environmentally friendly.

"Pesticide companies have changed the form pesticides are made, allowing them to be a safer form of their original product," Paulino said. "These are friendlier pesticides, but they are still very label-specific. Check the product's label and see where it can be used."

The following pests are prime candidates for these pesticide treatments.

Earwigs love to eat flower petals and tender garden veggies. Crops like lettuce, corn, celery, tender young seedlings, flower blossoms and ripening fruits are all at risk. While one earwig may not cause much damage, a large amount of them can cause severe damage to your garden. They are sneaky, and hide under garden tools and lawn ornaments during the day, reeking their havoc at night.

Grasshoppers are the bane of gardeners' lives across the country. Eating grass, plants and any green they find, grasshoppers can wipe out an entire garden within a matter of a week. Initial signs of feeding by young grasshoppers are jagged and tattered holes chewed in leaves. If you're invaded by grasshoppers, you may want to consider netting your plants.

Slugs and snails are some of the most frustrating garden pests, as they always return, regardless to how many times you remove them. Leaving holes in leaves, the slithering creatures are active at night and on rainy days. You may also opt to simply grab snails by hand and get rid of them.

Ants can be troublesome in any garden. They can weaken plants' internal structures, making them more susceptible to damage from other pests and the elements. Many varieties of ants can damage plant life, destroy seeds and flower buds. According to Paulino, ants are typically a secondary problem for plants.

"They are usually attracted to the sweet residue left by aphids or whitefly," he said. "If you take care of the original problem, you'll get rid of the ants."

Lawn trouble

For individuals who opt to have lawns, the stress of trying to get rid of ground squirrels and gophers can be an unending war. These pests dig holes in lawns, creating burrows that can sink and leave lawns looking unsightly. According to Mike Knox, who owns Concepts in Landscaping and has been working on lawn and gardens for 21 years, it can be very difficult to get rid of these pests.

Traps and bait boxes can be effective, but they can be a hassle for individuals who don't want to deal with the animals' bodies after they have perished.

"When doing maintenance, we have had to treat for both gophers and squirrels," Knox, who is licensed to do pest control, said. "When using a fumigant, it is important to make sure the exterminator is licensed to use the poison. Also, remember that these animals, once poisoned, will crawl out of their holes to die, so it may be easy for a pet to eat the animal and get sick."

Regardless of which type of pest you're trying to get rid of, it is always best to consult with a professional who can tell you exactly what is needed to keep your garden and lawn looking pristine and picturesque.

 

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