Agricultural News
Noble Foundation Suggests Some Organic Options for Controlling Pests in Your Garden this Year
Thu, 04 May 2017 11:50:31 CDT
The following is an article entitled Options for Controlling Pests Organically authored by Will Chaney, Senior Research Associate 1, of the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation.
Planting season is upon us, and it is time for growers to determine which pesticide management program best meets their needs. The trend for organic pest control has been increasing steadily over the past several years. However, the decision to use organic pest control methods versus the more traditional pesticide methods is difficult for many producers. The truth of the matter is controlling insects is complex and not all situations are the same. Some organic pest control methods can work in some situations, but it is imperative to remember those methods might not work in all situations. Ultimately, the best method to use will depend on the producer's desired outcomes. For those considering organic insect control, there are many options available.
Using Organic Pesticides to Control Insects
There are many options for organic pest control when it comes to spraying.
Horticultural Oil
If you need pest control in your fruit orchard, horticultural oil is a good organic option. Horticultural oil is usually made from a mineral oil but can also be cottonseed- and soybean-based. An emulsifying agent is added so the oil can be mixed with water. Horticultural oil has been marketed under many names and terms have shifted meanings over the years, but the two most important groupings you should know are dormant oil and all-season oil. Dormant oils are a heavier type of oil applied before the tree breaks dormancy. Use caution when applying this oil during the summer because it may cause burn damage to the tree. All-season oil is a lighter oil that can be sprayed during the hotter summer months, though caution should still be used not to damage the trees. When using any pest control, you should always refer to the label for appropriate use.
Organic Chemicals
In our vegetable organic blocks here at the Noble Foundation, we also use chemical organic control. These pesticides are organic, developed from natural products, but are still considered a chemical spray. Separate equipment must be used for applying organic and traditional chemicals. During application, the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required. Re-entry intervals (REI) are required for some sprays, and others are labeled as a bee hazard. It is critical to remember that organic sprays can still kill some beneficial insects such as bees. Again, always read the label and follow the directions on the label.
Using Animals to Control Insects
Another organic control option is the use of both wild and domesticated animals.
Wild Animals
For example, we have installed bird and bat houses around our organic block at the Noble Foundation. Bats eat a tremendous amount of insects each night, in some cases up to 1,000 per hour. The insects eaten include mosquitoes, leafhoppers, beetles, rootworm larva, moths, grasshoppers, scorpions, centipedes, ants, flies and crickets.
We have also installed a purple martin "castle" birdhouse near the organic block. Purple martins can eat as many as 2,000 mosquitoes and/or 400 flies/leafhoppers per day. Eastern bluebird is another bird we have targeted for organic insect control.
Domesticated Animals
Using domesticated birds is another viable pest control option. Some producers choose to let birds free-range while others build runs or moats so the birds will have a protected enclosure. Weeds, rabbits, groundhogs and even deer may be barred from entry into the garden while keeping insect counts down.
When working with any pest control option, it is important to remember that results will not be seen overnight. It may take a couple of years for results to be noticed due to the natural life cycle of pests. Chemical labels should be followed according to the manufacturer's directions. If any pest control method is used near water, bees and/or livestock, extra precautions should be used.
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