Dealing with pesky garden pests

As the temperatures slowly begin to cool and your fall garden begins to flourish with your second plantings of tomatoes, squash, peppers and beans or with your new plantings of cabbages, kales, broccoli and swiss chard, it becomes important to keep an eye out for fall garden pests.

The University of Florida/IFAS Extension recommends using a process known as Integrated Pest Management when dealing with garden pests and, if used properly, it will save you money and help protect the environment.

Integrated Pest Management is a systems-based approach to dealing with insects and diseases in plants. Even before planting, consider the varieties of plants you would like to produce as some are naturally-resistant to the disease and insects you are likely to find.

The first main component of the process is to consistently scout and monitor for pests. Look around your garden daily for insects or signs of disease so you can know what is happening early on. Often times a problem can escalate quickly and it is always easier to correct at the beginning.

As you monitor, it is also very important to properly identify the issue.

Some plant issues may come from the climate, wildlife, insects, diseases, nutrient imbalances or improper watering. Make sure to know what you are trying to correct before applying pesticides or treatment.

You can also anticipate the pests you may have and plan to manage them naturally. Attracting beneficial insects, birds and bats can reduce insect issues and some plants can help to deter pests from crops and soil.

If you do not know the identity or treatment of the insect, disease or disorder, contact or bring a sample to the UF/IFAS Clay County Extension and the horticulture agent or a Master Gardener will be able to offer advice.

After properly identifying the pest, you can then provide the proper treatment for the problem. If there is a climatic, irrigation or fertilizer issue make sure the plant is getting the sun, water, nutrients and temperatures it needs for growth. A plant in the wrong place will never grow properly.

It is best to research or get assistance with many treatments. The University of Florida has many resources available online to point you in the right direction.

Always start at the least potentially harmful treatment first. Handpicking is an option for some insects such as Lubber Grasshoppers. Also, low toxicity chemicals are available and some insects and pests can even be controlled with just soapy water sprayed on the plant. Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils are also usually safe and effective options. You can also purchase treatments containing bacteria that can kill insects. When using pesticides make sure to follow the label fully.

After a treatment, you should also go back and check the area to see how effective the solution was. If pests are still present you may need a second application or a new treatment altogether.

Following the steps of IPM is an important part of Florida-Friendly Landscaping and will help you better manage pest issues in your garden and landscape.

If you have any more questions about Integrated Pest Management or any other lawn or landscape topics, contact the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Office online at http://www.clay.ifas.ufl.edu, follow us on Facebook, or call by phone at (904) 284-6355. Furthermore, if you are interested in attending a free workshop on Florida Friendly Landscape Principles, we will host a class at our local offices on Oct. 6 from 6-8 p.m. Register online at http://ClayExtension.eventbrite.com.