Ornamental and Lawn Pest Control

(For Homeowners)

Tom A. Royer
Extension Entomologist

Mike Schnelle
Extension Ornamentals - Floriculture Specialist

EPP-7306

 

This fact sheet describes some common arthropod pest problems encountered on various ornamentals and turfgrasses in Oklahoma. If arthropod pest problems arise that are not covered here, consult your OSU County Extension Center for assistance.
Many of our arthropod pest problems are solved through natural controls such as weather, other forms of plant and animal life, disease, parasites, and predators. When nature either does not solve the pest problem or is slow to act, other controls may be warranted. Chemical pesticides often provide the quickest and most dependable control, and in many instances, there are no other alternatives.
Pesticides are chemicals of plant, animal, or synthetic origin manufactured to kill pests – insects, weeds, plant disease organisms, and rodents. Materials poisonous to one form of life are usually poisonous to other forms if the dosage is large enough.
Pesticides can be applied safely when a few basic rules are followed and common sense is used. Refer to OSU Extension Fact Sheets EPP-7450, EPP-7453, and EPP-7454 for more information on pesticide safety. For information on insect control in the garden, refer to OSU Extension Fact Sheet EPP-7313.
Note: Whenever possible, buy and grow pest resistant plants (such as Oklahoma Proven selections or other recommended varieties). By doing so, the need for pest control measures can be greatly reduced.