Handle Pesky Pests Right
When we irrigate our lawns, or when it rains, pesticides can find their way into our streams and ocean through surface water runoff. But we can stop this problem before it starts. As residents of West Maui, if we reduce our use of potentially harmful chemicals, and practice smart landscaping and gardening techniques, we can lessen the damaging effects on water quality—and the risks to our environment and keiki.
Here are some simple tips, to reduce our pollutants from the get-go.
What’s Causing the Harm?
It may come as a surprise to learn that most insects are either beneficial to your landscape, cause no harm at all, or lack the gusto to cause significant damage to plants. Your first step in pest control is to figure out what’s causing the harm in the first place, so that you can select the best treatment.
Pay Close Attention
Regular monitoring of your yard, such as flipping leaves over, is the best way to stay on top of potential problems. Try troubleshooting even simple steps like less water or more sunlight, which at times, may be all that your plant needs. If you can’t figure out the problem, get expert help from the Maui Master Gardener Program. Just contact the Help Desk via email or phone at 808-244-3242, ext. 228.
Try Simple Methods First
Pesticides as a Last Resort
If you do decide to use pesticides, then use the least-toxic methods, with your target pest in mind.
Pesticide Product Information
The National Pesticide Information Center is a great source for science-based information about pesticides, including details on the active ingredients in chemical pesticides, as well as information on organic and lowrisk pesticide options.
The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is a nonprofit that takes products under rigorous review to ensure that they comply with USDA organic standards, including pesticides. Visit their web site to see their OMRI List of over 2,500 products.
Got Fruit Flies?
On Maui, the melon fly and the Oriental fruit fly are the most commonly found species. The UH Extension Office on Maui offers a monthly fruit fly management class. Participants learn the basics of fruit fly identification and how to assemble lures and traps. If you join, you are eligible to purchase discounted pest management products through the program. To learn more about the training, click here, or contact the Maui Master Gardener Program via email or call 808-244-3242, ext. 228.
Here are some simple tips, to reduce our pollutants from the get-go.
What’s Causing the Harm?
It may come as a surprise to learn that most insects are either beneficial to your landscape, cause no harm at all, or lack the gusto to cause significant damage to plants. Your first step in pest control is to figure out what’s causing the harm in the first place, so that you can select the best treatment.
Pay Close Attention
Regular monitoring of your yard, such as flipping leaves over, is the best way to stay on top of potential problems. Try troubleshooting even simple steps like less water or more sunlight, which at times, may be all that your plant needs. If you can’t figure out the problem, get expert help from the Maui Master Gardener Program. Just contact the Help Desk via email or phone at 808-244-3242, ext. 228.
Try Simple Methods First
- Hand-pick insects off plants or spray them with water to wash them off
- Prune affected areas
- Hand pull individual weeds
- Make your own insecticide by mixing one teaspoon of liquid soap to a quart of water, and transferring to a spray bottle
Pesticides as a Last Resort
If you do decide to use pesticides, then use the least-toxic methods, with your target pest in mind.
- Go the natural route with pesticides made with ingredients from flowers and trees (such as neem, pyrethrum, or sabadilla) or the bug-fighting bacteria, Bacillus thuringensis
- Carefully follow the instructions on the pesticide label
- Spot treat affected plants or plant parts
- Never use blanket applications to treat problems, such as “weed and feed” products, which combine a fertilizer and an herbicide (Can you say overkill?)
Pesticide Product Information
The National Pesticide Information Center is a great source for science-based information about pesticides, including details on the active ingredients in chemical pesticides, as well as information on organic and lowrisk pesticide options.
The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is a nonprofit that takes products under rigorous review to ensure that they comply with USDA organic standards, including pesticides. Visit their web site to see their OMRI List of over 2,500 products.
Got Fruit Flies?
On Maui, the melon fly and the Oriental fruit fly are the most commonly found species. The UH Extension Office on Maui offers a monthly fruit fly management class. Participants learn the basics of fruit fly identification and how to assemble lures and traps. If you join, you are eligible to purchase discounted pest management products through the program. To learn more about the training, click here, or contact the Maui Master Gardener Program via email or call 808-244-3242, ext. 228.