Other Safe Options for Pest Control

Occasionally, additional means of control will be necessary and, fortunately, there are other
safe options for pest control.

Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap is an environmentally sound method of getting rid of pest insects. It is basi-
cally a soap solution that, when sprayed directly on the insect, will smother them. It does not 
leave a residue and crops sprayed with insecticidal soap can be harvested the same day. As 
a general rule, insecticidal soap will not harm most beneficial insects.

Insecticidal soap is available as a spray or in a concentrate form to be mixed with water. For 
best results, use softened or purified water if you are mixing it from the concentrate.

Sticky Strips
Sticky strips provide a safe method of trapping insects. The insects are attracted to the bright 
color of the sticky strip and, once they land, they are stuck. When the strips are full, simply dis- 
card and replace with a new ones.

Many commercial growers use sticky strips for monitoring what insects are in the greenhouse. 
By checking the sticky strips on a regular basis, the grower knows what insects are present and 
whether or not the population is growing.

Botanical Sprays
Botanical sprays are made from plants that have insecticidal qualities. These products are gen- 
erally safer than chemical insecticides but, even though the are natural, they are insecticides and 
should only be used as a last resort.

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