Tips for Lower-risk Pest Control

Products are available that have less risk to the user and others. Select these whenever appropriate.

  • First, consider non-chemical control methods for your pest. Hand-picking insect pests is a tried-and-true control method that still works. A pesticide may not be needed.
  • If you need a pesticide, start with the lowest-risk product that will do the job.
  • Use sticky traps to reduce the number of insects.
  • Select products that have less risk to beneficial insects.
  • Consider diatomaceous earth to control soft-bodied insects.
  • Use horticultural oils to smother pests. There are different types, and some can only be applied to dormant plants. Make sure you read and follow the label directions.
  • When using insecticidal soaps to kill insects, be sure to coat surfaces thoroughly.
  • Botanical insecticides derived from plants are less toxic to mammals and birds.
  • Microbial insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) target specific types of insects and will not harm most beneficial insects, birds or animals. They must be eaten by the pests in order to kill them. Pick the right variety for your pest.
  • When using traditional products, apply a selective pesticide whenever possible.
Photo of a cup full of tomato hornworms

Control tomato hornworms the old-fashioned way.
Pick them off the plants and squash them.

Hefner, M. 2019, Tips for Lower-risk Pest Control, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP

If you need more information.

Please contact Extension's Communication Team for assistance.

 

Also of Interest:

 
catepillar
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Cabbage Caterpillars
This fact sheet describes the identifying features, life cycle, plant damage, and control methods for managing common caterpillar pests on various crops in the cabbage family.
 K. Burls, W. Hanson Mazet, H. Kratsch 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-109
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Earwigs
This fact sheet describes the identifying features, life cycle, plant damage, and control methods for managing earwigs in Nevada.
 K. Burls, W.Hanson Mazet, H. Kratsch 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-108
stink bug
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Shield Bugs
This fact sheet describes the identifying features, life cycle, plant damage, and control methods for managing Shield Bugs in Nevada.
 K. Burls, W. Hanson Mazet, H. Kratsch 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-110
squash bug
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Squash Bugs
This fact sheet describes the identifying features, life cycle, plant damage, and control methods for managing Squash Bugs in Nevada.
 K. Burls, W. Hanson Mazet, H.i Kratsch 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-111
Photo of mayweed chamomile plant with white flower
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Mayweed chamomile
Mayweed chamomile is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed.
 Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
 

Associated Programs

ladybug larva eating aphids on a pepper plant

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.