Insect Note #15 (Revised)

Dated 4/94
Placed on the Web 4/95 by the Department of Entomology, NCSU

Garden Insect Control

Consider the following suggestions when planting a garden insect control program:

1. Minimize the use of pesticides by using non-chemical methods such as:
   • In the fall, remove and destroy or deeply bury crop residues that may contain overwintering forms of insect pests. This also exposes soil inhabiting forms such as white grubs to weather, birds, skunks, etc.

   • If suitable resistant varieties of crops are available, consider using them.

   • Control weeds in and around the garden as they act as a reservoir for insect pest.

   • Use mechanical barriers when applicable, e.g. covering collards with tobacco cloth to keep off diamondback moths and other such insects.

   • Handpick and destroy insect pests when this is practical.

2. Properly identify and evaluate your insect problem.
   • Be sure the insects you see are pests and not beneficial or harmless.

   • If the insects are causing damage, try to evaluate if they are serious pests or ones that create so little damage that they can be tolerated. Sometimes the increased value of the crop is less than the cost of controlling the lesser pests.

3. If an insecticide is needed, select one that best fits your situation.
   • Select one that can be used on a wide variety of crops to minimize the chance of accidentally treating a crop that should not be treated.

   • Choose an insecticide that will control a wide variety of problem insects so that you will not need to store many kinds of materials.

   • If possible, buy pesticides in quantities small enough for one growing season. This prevents storage and disposal problems.
     d. Select insecticides that have a short waiting period from application to harvest, so that your harvesting schedule is practical.

   • If home mixing is inconvenient, you may purchase a ready-to-use pesticide. Most sprays require home mixing of the concentrate plus water, while most dusts are premixed and ready to use.

4. Use the insecticide properly. Follow label directions!
   • Never use an insecticide on a crop that is not included on the label.

   • Never use more insecticide that recommended or more often than needed.

   • Do not use insecticides in situations or under conditions where they can drift into areas where they could be hazardous. Apply only on calm days.

   • As a general rule, apply sprays to the point of runoff and dusts in a light even film. Make sure to apply insecticide to the underside of leaves.

   • In a home garden, never use any pesticide with a skull and crossbones on the label. It's too dangerous! Seriously consider alternate insecticides for those with WARNING on the label.

   • Do not smoke, eat or drink while mixing or applying insecticides. Wash yourself thoroughly after mixing an insecticide and launder clothing before the next use.

   • Dispose of empty containers and unused pesticide materials in a safe manner as directed on the pesticide container. If the container cannot be destroyed immediately after emptying, be sure to rinse with water, pour the rinse water into the sprayer, let drain for 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times. Be sure to dispose of the empty container within 30 days. Never reuse. An approved landfill may be used. However, consider pesticide pickup dates and recyclable center for approved containers.

Mixing Instructions

1. For every pound of wettable powder recommended per 100 gallons of water, use 1 level tablespoon per gallon of water.

2. For every pint of liquid concentrate recommended per 100 gallons of water, use 1 teaspoon per gallon of water.

Special Treatments

Soil insects (cutworms, wireworms, root maggots) - If your garden is usually bothered by any of these pests or if you are planting a garden for the first time in an area where there was sod, be sure to till the soil often, control weeds, manage water, and drainage, and avoid high organic matter.

Cutworms - Besides the treatment given under "Soil Insects", plants can be protected by placing a cardboard collar around the stem. Make the collar 6 inches in diameter and 3 inches high. Push the collar 1 inch into the soil.

Corn earworm - This is usually the most serious pest of sweet corn. As soon as silks appear, spray with carbaryl (Sevin) until the silks are wet. Repeat 4 times at 2-day intervals, then at 3-day intervals until harvest.

Use carbaryl (Sevin) 50% wettable powder at 4 tablespoons or 80% wettable powder at 2 1/2 tablespoons per gallon of water. Carbaryl (Sevin) dusts may also be used. Carbaryl formulation Sevin XLR is recommended and is toxic to honey bees.

Spider mites - These are pests on many crops. Dicofol (Kelthane) is recommended for control. This material may be difficult to obtain in small quantities except in garden stores.

                  Insecticides For Home Gardens


The following is a list of the common garden crops on which these
insecticides may be used (current North Carolina Agricultural
Chemicals Manual):