Integrated Pest Management 5.1

Pests In undisturbed ecosystems pests are held in check by natural enemies They can control 50-90% of their population Pesticides include synthetic chemicals Insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and rodenticides.

Pesticides Most contain harmful chemicals They are harmful to humans and the environment Because of this people wanted to get rid of them Unrealistic, farmers had become dependent on them

Introduction of IPM Uses a mix of methods Traps, disease resistant plants, natural pest-killing substances and predators If they don’t work, then we use chemicals IPM requires a pest manager to understand how the pests live.

Pests around the world An organism that is a pest in one area may be beneficial in another area Ex. Bees in your home, Bees in your garden Leaf cutter ants destroy foliage, but aid in the growth of some plants

Forest Pests In healthy forest ecosystems, pests and other organisms live in balance But 98% of forests in PA have been logged, making them vulnerable to pest invasion

Forest Pests Balsam woolly adelgid, Frazer fir Hemlock woolly adelgid, Hemlock Gypsy moth caterpillar- Oak

Exotic Pests Organism that is not native to the areas where they cause damage Result of world trade, No native predators

Exotic Pests APHIS- Animal and Plant health inspection Service Patrols U.S. ports and inspects imported goods for exotic pests , 7000 seizures of exotic pests found on wooded items alone

Exotic Pests Their natural predators did not travel with them Trees are especially vulnerable White pine blister rust, chestnut blight, and Dutch elm disease

Exotic Pests European gypsy moth, Arrived in North America in Tried to get rid of it but failed (1890)

Exotic Pests Asian long horned beetle (Insect) New York (1996) Came from China Threat to Maple trees and other hard woods

Exotic Pests Dutch Elm Disease (fungus) (1930) in New York City Killed more then 2/3 of the elm trees in the country

Exotic Pests Chestnut Blight China (1900’s) Wiped out almost all Chestnut trees from New England to Georgia Decreased food source, nuts Black bears, turkeys

Exotic Pests Starlings (birds) Came from Europe Late 1800’s Compete with livestock for food Spread disease

Exotic Pests Asian Lady Beetle (Insect) Intentionally introduce 1970’s and 1980’s Control aphids and other insects Nuisance to homeowners