Julian Ives main area of expertise is the use and application of Biological and Natural pest control. He spent over 10 years advising growers and nurserymen on the use of these products before leaving to co-founded the natural pest control; Just Green. He is now a pest control consultant advising companies, gardeners and the gardening media on the use of this natural and organic pest control.
Blogger DVDs
Not in hiberanation yet! but most pests are…
January 10, 2010
After a lengthy absence I return to add a few suggestions for future pest control problems! The current harsh winter will certainly be helping reduce pest infestations when the spring and summer arrive, although that feels a long way off at the moment! However it will arrive eventually and there are tasks you can perform now that will further help reduce future pest problems and protect plants.
In the greenhouse or polythene tunnel, some pests can survive on weeds or plants left in these structures, especially if they are heated. Pests that can overwinter in this way include whitefly and aphid. There are three simple jobs to be done to prevent this. First remove any weeds that have been missed and destroy them, secondly hang a couple of yellow sticky traps up to catch any flying insects and finally if you see these pests, spray the plants thoroughly with a contact acting spray. Any spray that is fatty acid based or natural pyrethrin based spray will do the job and not leave any toxic residues. It is a good idea with most of these types of sprays to apply more than once, so repeat the spray 7 days later to catch any insects you have missed or eggs that have hatched.
Indoor pot plants should also be checked that pests like scale insect or mealybug have not taken up residence on them. Spray these also with a fatty acid spray like Savona or the agropharm product; Protector Natural insect killing spray, which contains a natural pyrethrum poison, which is made from crushed Chrysanthemum flowers. If you notice little clouds of black flies flying around or near the compost of your pot plants, these could be fungus fly. Theyare not a serious problem to established plants but can be a nusiance. They can be controlled with nematodes that are watered into the compost. The nematodes kill the larvae of the flies. These type of nematodes can also be applied to seed trays in the spring, idf the problem occurs then.
Th biggest threat to plants at this time, is the severe weather, as some varities will not be cold tolerant and may not have experienced winter like this. For palms, olives and even bays, it is a good idea to put protective fleece material or similar over them to protect from the severe frosts and freezing temperatures.
I am going back to sit by the fire now and will return when it thaws a bit with a guide to new pests ad new pest controls for 2010.
Comments
Got something to say?