E-70
ornamentals insects
DEPARTMENT OF ENTOMOLOGY
INSECT PESTS OF THE FLOWER GARDEN
Donald L. Schuder, Extension Entomologist
Many of the insecticides suggested here are contained in various commercial "all-purpose" rose and flower dusts, available at most garden centers. Always use insecticides wisely and safely by following directions on the containers. Abbreviatons: WP = wettable powder; EC = emulsifiable concentrate; SP = sprayable powder
ANTS: Do not feed on plants but loosen soil around roots; also care for aphids and feed on "honeydew" secreted by aphids or on sap exuded by some plant buds. Control: Sprinkle Spectracide 6000 granules over nests, OR spray with diazinon (Spectracide) according to label directions, 0R_ spray with carbaryl (Sevin) 80% SP OR carbaryl 5% granules according to directions.
APHIDS:	Small, soft-bodied
insects of pinhead size, that suck plant juices. Control: Dust with malathion 4%, OR spray with malathion 57% EC using 2 teaspoons per gallon of water OR spray with diazinon or Orthene according to label. Apply dimethoate (Cygon, DeFend) according to package directions. For control of aphids on roses spray with acephate (Orthene) 15%, one tablespoon per gallon of water according to package directions. As a preventive, spread 10.7 oz of Di-Syston 15% granules over each 150 ft of row or furrow, and water in. DI-SYSTON IS HIGHLY TOXIC TO HUMANS, SO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS ON PACKAGE.
BLISTER BEETLES: Large, long-legged, active insects that strip foliage from plants. Control: Dust or spray with carbaryl (Sevin) as for leaf beetles, OR apply methoxy-chlor 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 (Sevin) as for leaf beetles. Protect transplants with paper or metal collars around the stems.
GRASSHOPPERS:	Eat many kinds of plants. Control: Spray or dust garden and surrounding grassy and weedy areas with carbaryl (Sevin), diazinon (Spectracide), OR malathion. Follow label directions.
IRIS BORERS: Large borers that feed in the rhizomes. Control: When new growth is 5-6 inches tall, apply dimethoate (Cygon, DeFend) according to manufacturer's directions. Prevent reinfestation by transplanting rhizomes every 3 or 4 years and discarding borer-infested ones.
LEAF BEETLES: Chewing insects that eat foliage and flowers or make tiny holes in leaves. Control: Spray or dust with carbaryl (Sevin) 5% dust OR spray with carbaryl 50% WP using 6 teaspoons per gallon of water. Malathion spray or dust as suggested for aphids is also effective.
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • PURDUE UNIVERSITY • WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA 47907