Tips for Managing Insect Pests in the Landscape

Did you know that 99% of all insects are not harmful to you or your landscape? Use the photo gallery on this website to learn which insects are pests, and which are helpful. Head off insect pests by following these tips:

Don't treat a problem until you've identified the cause. Many plant problems result from non-living problems, such as too much or too little water, too much or too little sun, poor soil, or incorrect planting.
Stressed plants are susceptible to pests. Make sure your plants are placed in an appropriate spot, the soil is healthy and you're watering and fertilizing appropriately.
If you find insects on your plants, get them identified. Contact your local Extension office for help.
Remember, not all bugs are bad! Some insects help manage the pests. Beneficial insects are natural enemies that kill or reduce the number of bad insects in your yard.
Accept a few insects in your yard. They'll provide food for birds and beneficial insects.
If you do have a pest problem, try simple methods, such as hand-picking, washing them off with a strong jet of water from the hose, or using sticky traps.
Be cautious about using insecticides. They may kill beneficial insects, and when used repeatedly, can actually increase pest problems.
Learn the most vulnerable stage in the insect's life cycle, and apply an effective control at that time.

Photo of a yellow sticky trap with insects trapped on it. — This sticky trap is helping to control an infestation
of fungus gnats in houseplants.

photo of a Green lacewig — Green lacewings are beneficial insects.
The larvae eat aphids and other pests.

Photo of a leaf with two circles cut out of it by cutter bees. — The circles in the edge of this leaf were made by leaf
cutter bees. Leaf cutter bees are beneficial and their damage
does not interfere with the leaf's ability to make food.

Hefner, M. 2019, Tips for Managing Insect Pests in the Landscape, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno. IP.

Extension Associated Contacts

Martha Barajas

M.L. Robinson

Also of Interest:


Venomous Reptiles of Nevada (2020) Venomous Reptiles of Nevada - This is an updated and expanded publication based on previous extension publications. It is intended to be used as reference material in the classroom, as well as in the field. Photographs and other materials have been upgraded to make identification... Jones, J., Robinson, M. L., McKeever, B., and O'Callaghan, A. 2020, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, SP-20-13

Associated Programs

Garden plant and pest sprayers image by Olga Seifutdinova from Getty Images

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management program is a long-term management strategy that uses a combination of tactics to reduce pests to tolerable levels with potentially lower costs for the pest manager and minimal effect on the environment.

Master Gardeners of Washoe County

Master Gardeners provide free, research-based horticulture information to Nevadans.

Master Gardeners of Nevada

Program trains local gardeners to provide research-based horticulture information to Nevadans

Tips for Managing Insect Pests in the Landscape

Don't treat a problem until you've identified the cause. Many plant problems result from non-living problems, such as too much or too little water, too much or too little sun, poor soil, or incorrect planting.
Stressed plants are susceptible to pests. Make sure your plants are placed in an appropriate spot, the soil is healthy and you're watering and fertilizing appropriately.
If you find insects on your plants, get them identified. Contact your local Extension office for help.
Remember, not all bugs are bad! Some insects help manage the pests. Beneficial insects are natural enemies that kill or reduce the number of bad insects in your yard.
Accept a few insects in your yard. They'll provide food for birds and beneficial insects.
If you do have a pest problem, try simple methods, such as hand-picking, washing them off with a strong jet of water from the hose, or using sticky traps.
Be cautious about using insecticides. They may kill beneficial insects, and when used repeatedly, can actually increase pest problems.
Learn the most vulnerable stage in the insect's life cycle, and apply an effective control at that time.

Published by: Hefner, M., 2019, Tips for Managing Insect Pests in the Landscape, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno. IP.