Greenhouse Pest Control

Effective pest management in greenhouses can ensure the well-being of plants.

The warmer confines of a greenhouse can often become a breeding ground for pests and insects. This can inevitably lead to damaged crops and plants. Therefore, effective pest management should be adopted to prevent infestations.

Hygiene

Keeping the greenhouse clean and free of debris can significantly reduce the chance of infestation. Keeping the area well ventilated during warmer seasons can also help eradicate disease. It is also important to keep the soil clean or refreshed by removing dead plants or rotting leaves to avoid the buildup of pests and disease. At the beginning of each season, staging and glass panels should be disinfected, as should pots and containers before use.

Natural Control

There are many effective ways to control pests without having to resort to chemicals. Hanging sticky yellow traps up can help to control whitefly and thrips. Friendly nematodes can be introduced into the soil to combat soil-borne invaders, as well as parasitic wasps and predatory mites for more air-borne pests.

Pesticides

Pesticides can be used in a greenhouse to control serious infestations, but because the greenhouse is a confined area, appropriate steps should be taken to ensure good ventilation while spraying. Pesticides can over time lose their ability to provide protection as resistance is built up. It is vitally important to thoroughly read pesticide labels to ensure the correct one is used to for the right pests.

References

• Greenfingers: How to Control Greenhouse Pests and Diseases
• University of Kentucky: College of Agriculture: Greenhouse Insect Management
• Greenhouse Growing: Pest and Disease Control in Your Greenhouse
• Royal Horticultural Society: Biological Pest Control
• Ohio Department of Agriculture: Greenhouse Pest Control

Resources

• University of Florida: Considerations for Managing Greenhouse Pests
• Texas A&M University: Integrated Pest Management for Greenhouse Crops