The garden season is fast approaching and the need for pest control will soon be with us. Pesticides are products which kill pest. I consider pesticides tools for every gardener. What is a tool? Something you use only when you need it. Example: a fine set of pruners hangs on the wall, but you don't use them every day. When you need to prune they are there to complete the job.

Pesticides are useful tools but they are not necessary for every pest we want to control. Tomato hornworm, for instance, can really eat up your tomato plants but they can be easily picked off and no pesticide is necessary.

Mealybugs and whiteflys on houseplants can be controlled using pesticidal soap products. These products smother pests and disrupt their cuticle layer (outer body covering). Soaps are not harmful to our environment but do control some pests. These products can be photo toxic to some plants, so test before using by spraying part of one plant.

Bagworms can be picked off or use a product with bacillus thuringiensis which only affects caterpillars. This product is a biological control.

There are so many choices available. I think it comes down to using what you feel is necessary. Pesticides should be used safely, according to the label and as a last resort.

In order to reduce the need to spray pesticides such as fungicides and insecticides, consider the following options:

• Select disease resistant varieties.
• Rotate your crops within the garden to help reduce disease.
• Destroy previous season plant debris to help rid the garden of disease and prevent over wintering of insects.

When you do chose to spray a pesticide, read and follow the label directions. Always wear protective clothing, identify the pest to make sure the product controls the pest you have and check to insure the product is labeled for the plant or lawn where you intend to apply it. Using a pesticide is not always necessary, but when you do, use it according to label directions.