When it comes to insects, the good guys are not so clearly identified. Many people believe the only good bug is a dead bug. Actually of all the species of insects in the world, very few are pests of people and our plants. Many are beneficial by eating or parasitizing the bad guys. Pesticides are not the only answer in pest control.
Pesticides can provide benefits, but if used improperly they can harm people, pets, and plants.
If applied at the wrong time, they may be useless. The first step in an effective pest management program is proper identification. Many problems resemble pest damage but are caused by other factors. For instance, holes in leaves may be caused by late frost damage, or diseases, not by chewing insects. If it is a pest problem, identification of the pest is key to controlling it.