Chemical Practices

In landscape ornamental pest management, treatment decisions are often based on somewhat subjective criteria or threshold (action) levels. If the objective is to produce plants free of pests and pest damage, pesticides are often applied automatically.

If such preventive treatments are based on the historic seasonal occurrence of damaging pest populations, chemical treatment may be justified. Such is the case where turfgrass areas have and would have annual damage to white grubs. However, a more prudent approach is to begin treatments when a pest or pest damage is detected early. If the objective is to maintain vigorous, healthy plants, higher pest numbers and damage levels may be tolerable before treatment begins.

Once the decision is made to treat chemically, consider these important factors:

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