Authors

David Smitley
Michigan State University Department of Entomology

Diane Brown & Erwin Elsner
Michigan State University Extension

Joy N. Landis
Michigan State University IPM

Paula M. Shrewsbury
University of Maryland Department of Entomology

Daniel A. Herms
The Ohio State University Department of Entomology

Overview

Without natural enemies, invasive pests population surge dramatically, this is also a primary reason tree care professionals and property owners use pesticides, to manage invasive pests from Europe and Asia. This publication is designed to provide best management practices for protecting a few valuable plants from invasive pests while minimizing the impact on pollinators and beneficial insects.

Introduction

For the past 30 years or more, most tree care professionals, landscapers, urban foresters and many informed property owners have been managing destructive insects by minimizing pesticide use and encouraging predators and parasites that naturally keep pests under control. This approach is referred to as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and it includes using Best Management Practices (BMP) for preserving beneficial insects. In most states, landscape professionals must attend educational classes on pesticide safety and best management practices to receive their pesticide applicator license, a requirement for purchasing restricted use pesticides. Minimizing pesticide use along with implementing other IPM practices protects water resources from pesticide runoff, minimizes the exposure of people, pets and wildlife to pesticides, and provides stable long-term pest control  instead of the frequent boom and bust pest cycles associated with preventive use of broad-spectrum pesticides.

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