Certainly they are too numerous to keep under complete control. There are, of course, a host of chemicals and agents readily available to assist you in these efforts. Almost everyday LSMP receives a notice about a new development designed to control any number of the aforementioned pests. In this issue alone you will find a notice from BASF about EPA approval for a fungicide they call ?EUR??,,????'?????<

However, almost as soon as a cure or solution is developed, another is taken off the market or limited by public concern. Ironically, on the two pages mentioned above there are also articles on limitations or improper usage. Both of which can affect your day-to-day activities.

Also in this issue there is a page with one news item about California lifting its ban on herbicides in the face of an encroaching enemy, right next to another article on New Jersey activists calling for a ban of herbicides
and insecticides . . .

I once wrote an article on the Kyapo Indians from the Brazilian rain forest and how they controlled insects that ate their meager crops by planting flowers that attracted beneficial, pest-eating insects. While it is noble to work toward natural means of controlling pests, it certainly isn?EUR??,,????'?????<

Unfortunately the improper use of chemicals and agents by your staff can have far reaching consequences on your own charge and the facilities and landscape in your state, region or even across the country.

So . . . It?EUR??,,????'?????<

A couple of months ago we wrote about some school kids coming across some discarded Malathion. While the kids themselves did not get sick from the exposure, the community was in an uproar. In this case the chemicals were so old that tracing the culprit who stashed the old chemicals under some wood planks was not possible. However, if it happened tomorrow at your facility you may very well be out of a job. Even if the public doesn?EUR??,,????'?????<

Ok . . . Now you know I?EUR??,,????'?????<

So, the point is, when you do use chemicals to assist your efforts, be smart. Train your entire crew on how to handle these agents and, almost more importantly, how to recognize when they are not handled or stored properly. Your staff should feel comfortable coming to you and pointing out a problem. And you should take an extra minute or two to stay on the forefront of what?EUR??,,????'?????<

You can always turn to the pages of LSMP or landscapearchitect.com for a great deal of that news, but remember to keep your eyes on current events, get out to those association meetings and keep your crew informed . . . A small price to pay to keep those pests from infecting your wallet as well as your facility . . .

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