Insect control
can be a challenge for gardeners.
Insect control is an ongoing issue in vegetable gardens. While some bugs are beneficial, others cause serious damage to crops, so it's important to recognize potential pests and know manage them. Does this Spark an idea?
Chemicals
A number of insecticides are available to help eliminate troublesome insects. Common sprays include carbaryl for cutworms, cucumber beetles, corn borers, asparagus beetles and leafhoppers; esfenvalerate for asparagus beetles, armyworms, loopers and melon aphids; permethrin for potato aphids, onion thrips, corn earworms and cabbage aphids; and cyfluthrin for tomato hornworms and fruitworms, leafminers and green peach aphids.
Soaps
Insecticidal soaps are an alternative, nonchemical approach to controlling some soft-bodied pests. Aphids, earwigs, adult Japanese beetles and spider mites can be controlled with soaps; however, soap solutions must be sprayed directly on insects to be effective.
Considerations
Always check the label when using insecticides and follow the directions carefully. Chemical sprays are toxic to humans so proper usage is imperative. Organic pest control methods are safer and can be effective, such as rotating crops yearly, attracting predatory insects and planting vegetation that deters pests nearby.
Tags: asparagus beetles, Insect control