In Colorado, many of our homeowners and farmers are conscious about what pesticides they put around their fields and in their gardens to keep pests out. But is there an option to not use pesticides at all?
Below, our Bug Control Specialists define sustainable pest control and explain how it can keep invasive pests away while not adding harsh chemicals to your land. We’ll also give tips for how you can apply this up-and-coming practice to your own yard. If you have questions or want a professional to lend a hand in creating your own sustainable pest plan, give us a call.
What Is Sustainable Pest Management (SPM)?
Sustainable Pest Management (SPM), also called Ecological Pest Management, looks at using preventative methods to curb pest populations rather than using reactive, chemical-heavy solutions.
SPM is a holistic approach to pest management that considers many factors, such as how pesticides could affect:
- Human health and communities
- Natural environments, including water, biodiversity, soil health, and the climate
- Economic benefits and impacts for local populations
How Is SPM linked to Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an earlier iteration of Sustainable Pest Management that is focused on prevention of pests through a combination of specific techniques. These include
habitat manipulation, biological control, introduction of resistant varieties, and modification of cultural practices.
Using the IPM system, pesticides are used as a last resort after extensive testing has been completed to try to find natural alternatives. If a pesticide is used, it targets only the destructive pest.
What Are Sustainable Pest Control Options?
So what does sustainable pest control look like in practice? There are many routes a landowner can use to apply these practices to their garden, yard, or property.
Monitor Your Land Thoroughly and Regularly
One of the first steps of SPM is to check crops or plants for pests at least once a week. If you do see signs of insect activity or disease, take photos so you can identify the exact culprit.
Plant Cover Crops
Those with a green thumb know that the health of the soil is just as important as the plant itself. To keep soil healthy, plant cover crops in places that would otherwise be empty. The main purpose of the cover crop is to act as a living mulch, smothering weeds, controlling pests, and enhancing water availability.
Be Diligent About Sanitation Between Seasons
You don’t want your tools to be the vehicle for pests to get to your plants. If you work with or remove an infected plant, be sure to clean the tool thoroughly so nothing clings on to your equipment, only to jump to a healthy plant down the road.
Prioritize Flowering Plants That Attract Beneficial Predators
Not all insects are bad. In fact, bugs like predatory mites and lady beetles can be an effective source of short-term pest control for certain pests.
Install Traps
Specific traps can use visual cues to attract problem pests. For example, yellow sticky cards have been useful for attracting pesky gnats and thrips in greenhouses.
Lay Down Physical Barriers
Sometimes the simplest solutions work best. Putting a shade cloth or row cover on top of your plants can create a physical barrier, so the pests can’t reach your plants or crops.
Let a Professional Craft Your SPM Plan
There are a lot of elements to consider when determining the best sustainable pest control route for your property. If you’re not sure where to start or have questions about what pests are plaguing your land, reach out to Bug Control Specialist. We can take a look and give you expert recommendations based on years of experience dealing with tough insects and other vermin.
To see how your landscape could benefit from a natural pest control option, contact Bug Control Specialist today.