Pest Control

What is a pest? A pest can be a weed, disease or insect that is causing harm or damage to other plants.

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to successfully manage pests in your yard or garden. Remember, when using IPM you are controlling or managing pests NOT eliminating them.

The first step is to identify the pest. Before you can decide that a problem needs to be treated you must know what the problem is. Once you have identified your problem, then you can decide if and how to treat it. In Kentucky, for assistance in identifying weeds, diseases or insects, contact your local county extension office. They can submit a sample for identification to the University of Kentucky Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab or to the Department of Entomology Insect Identification Lab.

The following sites are excellent sources for information on pest control:

University of Kentucky Department of Entomology- You can use the search feature on this page to find information on specific insects.

ID-21 Disease and Insect Control Programs for Homegrown Fruit in Kentucky Including Organic Alternatives

HO-72 Organic Gardening and Pest Control-Originally produced by Georgia Cooperative Extension Service and adapted for use in Kentucky.

Cornell University, Biological Control: A Guide to Natural Enemies in North America

Purdue Pesticide Programs - Pesticides and Pest Prevention Strategies for the Home, Lawn and Garden

Virginia Cooperative Extension Service - Pest Management for Water Quality

North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service - Mulches

Information on Cultural, Biological, Genetic, Mechanical/Physical and Chemical methods of pest control can be found on - -

The UK Home Landscape IPM Program.

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	Original document: 10 May 2003 Last updated: 10 May 2003