Garden Pest Guide

A number of insecticide and animal deterrents are available at our store.

How to Control Numerous Garden Pests

Insect Damage usually appears as:
-leaves taking on the appearance of lace
-small holes on the leaves
-lightly chewed leaf edges

Products:
If you have a small infestation a 10% Bleach or Isopropyl to 90% Water solution is effective. If problems persist a mild pesticide may be necessary. This should be used as a last resort. Bayer and Ortho both make effective insecticides. ALWAYS READ and FOLLOW the manufacturer's instructions before you apply. Over application causes harm to you, beneficial insects and the environment. NEVER apply an insecticide on a windy or rainy day.

SEVIN - is sold in both a powder and liquid form. The liqued spray is designed to be attached to a garden hose. Both products are effective in treating most insect pests. It can be applied to perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs and lawns.

Orthenex - kills most of the common garden insect pests. It is endorsed by the American Rose Society and comes in a spray container and hose sprayer package. The garden hose sprayer calculates the application rates as you spray and is handy for large areas. Whereas the spray container is handy for smaller areas.

Rabbit and Deer Damage:
-plants chewed to the ground
-leaves removed from stems
-bite marks on woody stems

Products:
Irish Spring soap bars are a strong deer and rabbit deterrent. Place the bars in amongst plants. Hot pepper sprays also work. They put a thin coat of capsaicin on the leaves and keep animals away with one bite. Pepper sprays will need to be applied more frequently.

For Gophers and Moles
Mole and Gopher Patrol works as a bait and kill. This product is for underground use only.
Bayer Grub Control is an effective way to control moles by eliminating grubs which serve as their food source.

For Rodents
Repellex protects bulbs from rodent damage. Simply mix the solution per manufacturer's instructions and dip your bulbs in the solution. Repellex can be used on spring and fall planted bulbs.

For Snakes
Moth Balls are a simple fix for snake problems. Grind moth balls into a powder and shake into garden beds.

Resources:
www.pested.msu.edu/Resources/pdf/IPMInHome.pdf

www.bayeradvanced.com

www.scotts.com

www.WhatIsIPM.org

Call the Kalamazoo Master Gardener Help Line at (269) 384-8056.