Do you really need a pesticide? (12-15-08)

I recently visited a golf course with a few problems on the greens. I asked how they these problems were being managed. The response was a list of pesticides. Unfortunately, some of these pesticides were not needed or were for problems that these particular pesticides would not help. Therefore, I offer the following suggestions to help you determine if and when a pesticide is what your lawn needs.

• Is the damage actually being caused by a pest? Could it be the weather or a cultural practice, such as over- or underwatering, fertilizer, or herbicide damage, etc.?  
• If it is a pest, what kind is it? Insect? Disease? Animal? Rodent?  
• Are there non-chemical ways to control it? Is the damage severe enough to warrant chemical control?  
• Is pesticide use cost-effective? Or would the chemical treatment cost more than the damage is worth? 
• Can the pest be controlled by a chemical at this stage of its life cycle, or would application at a different time be more effective?

Remember, just because you see insects does not mean that insects are a problem. Proper identification of the problem is essential before you select any type of control. There are many excellent resources available to help you identify pests or pest caused problems, including trained professionals at nurseries and garden centers, your local Extension office, and reference books dealing with lawn pests and diseases. Healthy turf is generally less susceptible to attack by pests and good cultural practices can reduce pest outbreaks.

Published December 15, 2008

Dr. Wayne Wells is an Extension Professor and Turfgrass Specialist. His mailing address is Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mail Stop 9555, Mississippi State, MS 39762. wwells@ext.msstate.edu