At the D.C. Smith Greenhouse we strive to manage plant pests in a manner that is visitor friendly, environmentally sound and efficient.
Integrated pest management (IPM) is socially acceptable, environmentally responsible and economically practical crop protection. IPM encourages growers to make their pest management decisions based on these priorities and integrate available pest control methods (biological, chemical and cultural) into the best solution. Below are examples of some of the pest control solutions we are implementing at D.C. Smith.
Biological Pest Control
Parasitic nematodes help control fungus gnats and thrips
Predatory Mites for thrips and mite control
Mealybug destroyer beetles for mealybugs
Several species of parasitic wasps for aphids, whiteflies and scale.
Lacewing larvae for scale and aphids
Fungal and bacterial diseases for thrips, mealybugs, aphids, fungus gnats and whiteflies
Cultural Control
Keeping temperatures and moisture levels at optimum for plants to thrive instead of pest and diseases.
Removing diseased and infested materials before pests can spread to healthy plants.
Regular scouting of greenhouses for early detection of problems.
Chemical Control Methods
Neem Oil – a natural product from the neem tree that interferes with insect development.
Cinnamon Oil – a natural product from the cinnamon tree
Insecticidal Soap – coats and dries out insect and mite pests
Horticultural Oil – coats and suffocates insect pest