Do You Need a Pesticide
Before you purchase any pesticide you should answer some important questions.
Are there non-chemical ways to control the problem? Is the damage severe enough to warrant chemical control?
the pest be controlled by a chemical at this stage of its life cycle,
or would application at a different time be more effective?
If it is a pest, what kind is it? Insect? Disease? Animal? Weed? Rodent?
Is pesticide use cost-effective? Or would the chemical treatment cost more than the crop value?
the damage actually being caused by a pest? Could it be weather or a
culture practice, such as over or under watering, fertilizer, or damage?
Just because you see insects does not mean that insects are a problem.
Identifying the real problem is essential before selecting any type of
control. Many excellent resources are available to help you identify
pests or pest-caused problems. Talk to trained professionals at
nurseries, garden centers, and your local Cooperative Extension Office.
Check reference books dealing with plant pests and diseases.