E-70
DEPARTMENT IF ENTOMOLOGY
ornamentals insects
CONTROLLING INSECT PESTS OF FLOWER GARDENS
Donald L. Schuder, Extension Entomologist
Many of the insecticides suggested here to control flower garden pests are contained in various commercial "all-purpose" rose and flower dusts, available at most garden centers. Always apply insecticides properly and safely by following directions on the containers. Abbreviations used below are:WP = wettable powder; EC = emulsifiable concentrate; SP = sprayable powder; Tbs = tablespoon; tsp = teaspoon; gal = gallon and oz = ounce. 	
ANTS--do not feed on plants but loosen the soil around roots; they also care for aphids and feed on "honey-dew" secreted by aphids or on sap exuded by some plant buds. Control: Sprinkle diazinon (Spectracide 6000) granules over nests or carbaryl (Sevin) 5% granules according to label directions; OR spray with diazinon or with carbaryl 80% SP according to directions.
APHIDS--are pinhead size, soft-bodied insects that suck plant juices. Control: Dust with malathion 4% dust; OR spray with malathion 57% EC using 2 tsp per gal water or with diazinon or acephate (Orthene) according to the label; OR apply dimethoate (Cygon, De-Fend) according to package directions. For control of aphids on roses, spray with acephate 15% (1 Tbs per gal water) according to package directions. As a preventive, spread 3.2 oz (1/2 cup) of Di-Syston 1% granules over each 10 feet of row or furrow, and water in.
BLISTER BEETLES--are large, long-legged, active insects that strip foliage from plants. Control: Dust or
spray with carbaryl as for leaf beetles; OR apply methoxychlor according to label directions.
CUTWORMS--cut off plants at night and spend the day curled up in the soil. Control: Spray or dust plants and surrounding soil with Dylox or diazinon or with carbaryl as for leaf beetles. Protect transplants with paper or metal collars around the stems.
GRASSHOPPERS--consume many kinds of plants. Control: Spray or dust garden and the surrounding grassy and weedy areas with carbaryl, diazinon or malathion. Follow label directions. (For additional information, see publication E-19.)
IRIS BORERS--are large borers that feed in the rhizomes. Control: When new growth is 5-6 inches tall, apply dimethoate according to manufacturer's directions. Prevent reinfestation by transplanting rhizomes every 3-4 years and discarding borer-infested ones.
LEAF BEETLES--are chewing insects that eat foliage and flowers or make tiny holes in leaves. Control: Dust with carbaryl 5% dust; OR spray with carbaryl 50% WP using 6 tsp per gal water. Malathion spray or dust as suggested for aphids is also effective.
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • PURDUE UNIVERSITY • WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA 47907