Insect Identification

Knowing your enemy is half the battle

Insects - they're not only considered an annoyance, but also a serious business threat to commercial growers - and for good reason. Insects rapidly infest and destroy healthy plants, leaving them weak, wilted and distorted. Fortunately, these damaging insects can be managed through integrated pest management (IPM), an effective program that incorporates detection, identification, exclusion and chemicals, such as Enstar^® AQ and Mavrik Aquaflow^® from Central Life Sciences.

Early detection and proper identification are especially important parts of the IPM practice. Early detection can prevent pest problems before they become serious. The earlier insects are detected, the easier they are to eliminate, and the less damage they cause to plants. Regular plant inspections will detect harmful pests. But in order to effectively eliminate pests, growers must also properly identify them.

On the right is a listing of insects that commonly infest plants - bedding and garden plants, potted flowers, cut flowers, cut greens and foliage - including their descriptions, damaging effects and how to treat your plants.