Pest Management

Pest Management is probably the one subject no one wants to think about. Still weeds and bugs are an issue. Depending on where you are, and what you are growing, Pests can be construed as including birds, squirrels and deer as well. If deer are a problem, fencing may be an important part of the solution. It also may be a matter deciding to grow something else. Regardless, bugs and weeds are going to be an issue.
In deciding what to do, you need to consider what you are willing to put up with, as there are upsides and downsides to everything.
== Chemistry vs Organic ==
This is probably where the biggest divide exists. As long you got some money to spend, the Chemical Industry makes it very easy to go the chemical route with a variety of pesticides and herbicides. In some instances they may very well be the way to go. But they come with risks, especially if you have children or pets. They aren't known as toxins for nothing.
Going the organic route is often more labor intensive, but a lot depends on how you approach it. For example, instead of controlling weeds with manual weeding, cover the ground with mulch while making the plants that you want have a way out. 
Likewise, insect control is possible through the use of predators. You can also choose plants that are not badly damaged by insect pests.
== Going the Chemical Route ==
While relatively easy to use, there are still considerations. What you use depends on both the pest and the circumstances.
===Methods===
*Spraying - generally the most effective. Also the most expensive. Typically a pesticide is sprayed in liquid from onto the plants or areas to be protected.
*Aerosols - these put the poison into the air itself. Used against flying insects, these usually only make sense in a greenhouse environment.
*Dusts - a non-liquid form of poisoning. Used when less solid methods aren't suitable.
*Baits - Used primarily against rodents. Be careful with placement, as these will also kill the family pet.
===Types===
*Fungicides
*Herbicides - requires selective care, as a wrong choice can kill the desired plant along with the weeds.
*Mitecides
*Insecticides
==Going the Organic Route==
*Mulch - Used in place of Herbicides, these control weeds by blocking their seeds and seedlings from growing in the first place.
*Predators - Useful predators are frequently insects as well. But instead of eating plants, they eat other insects. 
::Example: Lady Bugs will eat Aphids.
Category:Hazards