| PA
Environment and Ecology Standard |
|
4.5 Integrated Pest Management
|
|
Congratulations
to
Paulette
Johnson
of Butler
County, Beth Sheckler of Carbon
County, AND Patricia
Hammaker of Dauphin
County
for submitting
the correct answer!!
|
|
Yellowjackets,
hornets, and wasps are an important part of nature. They
are effective predators of harmful agricultural pests. Some
are important scavengers, aiding in the recycling of organic
materials.
However,
bees can be a nuisance, especially if you are allergic to
their sting
|
|
If
a problem exists, physical removal
is the least toxic method and should be the first option.
 Traps
can be used to reduce the number of wasps in an area.
Heavy
plastic bags can be tied over the nest at night before removing
the nest (wasps are less active in cooler nighttime weather)
Nests
can also be vacuumed out by a professional
|
|
Prevention
is the key to avoiding bee problems. Here are some prevention
tips:
 Garbage
cans should have tightfitting lids, should be frequently
emptied and routinely cleaned.
Repair
windows and caulk holes in siding to prevent indoor infestations.
Remove
dependable sources of water (repair leaky faucets, do not
let air conditioner drainage accumulate in a pool)
Regularly
inspect the area for developing nests.
|
|
If chemical
treatment is necessary, avoid broad pesticide applications.
Instead, limit chemical application to the target area.
|
|
In
any case, Gasoline should not be used. Gasoline renders
the soil infertile and is a fire hazard.
|
 |
|
What
are some secondary effects of chemical pesticides on the
environment?
|
|
Additional
Links
Pest
Problem Solver
|
|
For Kids
Whats
all the buzzzzzzzzzz
Plan
for pesticide safety
What
is a pest
|
|
For Educators
IPM
for PA Schools
Host
a bug camp
hSearch
the Peer Directory for More Resources!g
|
Got
an environmental question in mind? Use our Submission
Form for the opportunity to submit your own question
(and answer)!
|
|
Back
to Environmental Questions
|
