This can be a problem for those who go to purchase pesticides without knowing what they need.
The materials on the shelves are endless, with all kinds of labels, names, and formulations.
There are three basic groups of pesticides:
1) insecticides - kill insects,
2) miticides - kill mites,
3) fungicides - control or prevent disease organisms.
Determine what you need, and buy only enough so that it can be completely used during the
growing season. This helps to control the pest problem and saves money. It's cheaper to buy
additional materials than to waste money over purchasing.
Buying only what you will use in a season removes the problem of disposing of last year's
materials. It prevents you from trying to increase the dosage to try to use up the carryover
materials. This could lead to burning of the garden plants. Increased dosage increases the
carrier, which is the primary cause of burning plant tissue.
When possible, buy a combination of material (insecticides and fungicides). This gives fewer
problems in mixing and storage, and reduces the possibility of errors when spraying.
In buying pesticides for mixing, it's best to purchase the same formulations. If you by an
emulsifiable concentrate (EC) insecticide, buy the same formulation EC fungicide. Do the same
if wettable powders or soluble powders are purchased. This prevents problems with the
carriers and gives you a compatible solution for application.
How to Spray
There are several types of sprayers on the market from hose applicators to 3-gallon sprayers.
All will put the material out in a spray, but just spraying a material haphazardly is not
completely effective. Sprays must be directed to where pests are feeding. Directing sprays
are essential to control pests. Several factors affect the control obtained.
- Did you identify the pest problem?
- Do you have the right material?
- Is your water pH within the correct range? Water pH in Louisiana ranges from 3.3 to
11.2. The optimum range for spraying pesticides is 5.5 to 6.5. If water pH is higher or
lower than the optimum, it can break down the chemicals so they may be only partially
effective or completely ineffective. Where pH is a problem, additives (acids or bases) may
be used to correct it.
- Did you use the correct amount?
- Is the sprayer functioning properly?
- Is the spray directed against the pest?
Use Pesticides Safely
Pesticides are made to kill, and when used improperly, they can kill anything, including the
applicator. When used correctly, however, they are miracles equivalent to medicines such as
penicillin.
- Before using any pesticides, always READ THE LABEL
- Do NOT smoke or eat while you are applying pesticides
- Avoid spilling material on yourself in the working area. If spills occur, WASH
AREA IMMEDIATELY.
- Wear long sleeves, gloves, and a face mask when spraying.
- Do NOT spray on windy days. Remember, YOU are responsible for spray drift.
- Do NOT permit pesticide containers to lie around. Store them under LOCK AND KEY and AWAY
from children and pests. Dispose of empty containers properly.
- Keep children and pets AWAY from areas when mixing or spraying insecticides.
- Wash hands and face, and change clothes after spraying. If sprays are blown back on you,
shower with soap and water.
- Allow proper time intervals between application and harvest.
- When applying pesticides, remember the pollinators and apply the material in the later
afternoon.
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