Stop insect damage before it starts

When left unmanaged, insects can wreak havoc in the greenhouse. The best way to keep damage from insects at bay is to stop infestations before they start. Stay one step ahead of insects with the following preventive practices:

// Implement cultural practices

One of the keys to preventing insects in the greenhouse is proper sanitation and keeping areas clean and well-ventilated. The following cultural practices can help keep your greenhouse clean and insect-free:

• Avoid introducing insects to your greenhouse by inspecting new plants thoroughly and using clean/sterile soils or ground media.
• Minimize wet areas that can serve as breeding grounds for insects like gnats and shore flies by avoiding overwatering plants, eliminating pools of standing water and promoting good ventilation throughout your greenhouse.
• Eliminate potential host sites by controlling weeds, discarding trash and removing old plant debris.
• Keep the greenhouse sanitary by sterilizing tools, flats and other equipment after use and thoroughly cleaning after every production cycle.
• Remove heavily infested plants if an insect infestation does occur.

// Understand favorable conditions and plant susceptibility

When your greenhouse is humid with abundant wet areas and host sites, conditions may be favorable for insects. With these conditions present, it is important to be vigilant and put preventive practices in place to mitigate the chances of an infestation. In addition, understanding which plant species or cultivars are susceptible to specific pests will help you anticipate potential insect problems throughout the production cycle.

// Scout frequently

Regularly scouting for insects provides more opportunities to identify and address problems before damage occurs. If possible, scout at least once a week, or more often, if conditions are favorable for problem insects. Observations made while scouting can help inform the when, where and what of insect control decisions.

// Control outbreaks with an insecticide

If insects do become a problem in your greenhouse, take action with an insecticide application.

• Altus^® insecticide provides flexible and long-lasting control against insects, including aphids and whiteflies in bedding plants. As the most economical non-neonic insecticide for drench applications on the market, Altus is a great fit for any integrated pest management (IPM) program. Use the Cost-in-Use Calculator to compare insecticide costs for any product you choose.
• Kontos^® insecticide offers highly effective control of sucking pests with true systemic activity in the plant xylem and phloem. With up to 30 days of insect control, it is an ideal tool for use in IPM programs and is a great rotational partner.
• Savate^® insecticide provides excellent knockdown and residual control of all stages of mites and whiteflies, including eggs and immature stages. Its translaminar movement protects upper and lower leaf surfaces. With up to 30 days of residual control and minimal risk for many beneficial insect species when used as directed, its unique mode of action is ideal for rotation and IPM programs.