We design programs for management of insects, diseases, weeds and rodents. We work in many situations including agriculture, landscapes and inside buildings. We believe in prevention. We try to solve problems for the long term.

Biocontrol

Many insect pests are controlled by naturally occurring beneficial insects. It is important to let this ecosystem function with minimal disruption. Where necessary, commercially available predators and parasites can be released into the area.

Similarly, many plant diseases are effectively controlled by micro-organisms found in healthy soils such as compost.

Powdery Mildew

This is the most serious disease of plants in the BC Interior. Warm weather with high relative humidity are conducive to continuous growth and spore release by this pathogen.

We focus on early season management to minimize larger outbreaks later in the season. It is critical to watch weather forecasts and make preventative applications during periods when the pathogen is most active.

Aphids

The approach to an aphid problem will be different if the insects are found on a greenhouse crop, on nursery plants, or on street trees. Where aphids may become a concern, it is important to manage the population early in the season, then allow natural biocontrol to take over starting in June.

Many low impact pesticides are very effective to lower aphid numbers. These products are allowed by municipal pesticide bylaws.

Tree Cankers

Many pathogens are important in nature to recycle food and nutrients found in live plants. These pathogens are not a concern in remote places but are a big concern when found on plants in high profile areas.

Cankers on trees usually indicate a stress situation that allows the pathogen to invade and establish. The stress situation must be addressed to successfully manage the canker.