California Poppy

Today's gardeners, homeowners, and pet-lovers are looking for ways to manage pest problems with little or no use of toxic materials. Many are relying on a process called Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

A major part of an IPM program is determining the number of pests that can be tolerated without causing unacceptable damage or annoyance. Pests are treated only when they reach that level. Then, many different treatment methods are mixed and matched (integrated) to produce the best results.

Do you know that the City of Walnut Creek uses less-toxic gardening methods in maintaining its landscape areas? Our landscape staff members are licensed and trained in IPM techniques.

Whether or Not To Treat

The mere presence of a pest insect or weedy plant does not necessary indicate a problem. Try asking yourself these questions:

• Is real damage taking place?
• How many pests are present and will that number cause serious damage?
• In the garden, ask yourself if any natural enemies of the pests are present.
• How many pests can you tolerate?

Controlling Aphids in Your Garden

On some plants, aphids can distort foliage and flowers and stunt plant growth. Some species of aphids can also transmit plant diseases when they puncture plant tissues to feed. Here what you can do to control aphids in your garden:

• Learn to recognize beneficial insects. Mini-wasps ("parasitoids") that lay eggs inside the bodies of aphids. These tiny wasps cannot sting people.
• Attract beneficials to your garden by planting a wide variety of flowering plants. Consider buying beneficial insects before aphid numbers are high.
• Use slow-release fertilizers. Some aphids reproduce more quickly on plants with high level of nitrogen in their leaves and buds. Use compost, which is a better fertilizer.
• Avoid excessive pruning because it stimulates aphid-attracting growth.
• Use a row cover to exclude aphids and other pests but allow air, light and irrigation water to reach plants.