In a cooperative venture with similar regional agencies, the Prince Edward Island Departments of Environmental Resources and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry have developed and distributed over 40,000 "Backyard Bug Brigade" brochures which presents general tips on how householders and home gardeners can safely control unwanted insects, weeds and rodent pests. Also available by request is an information booklet which describes and offers alternative ways to control fifteen common household garden and lawn pests found in Prince Edward Island.
Barry Hicken, Minister of Environmental Resources and Walter Bradley, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in releasing these documents encourage Islanders to adopt an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system of pest control. An IPM system includes managing the pest problem to a tolerable level with a variety of physical, biological, and cultural practices and if necessary, chemical control methods. By using one or more of these alternative measures, control can be achieved with minimal impact on human safety and the environment.
Mr. Hicken urges Islanders to use the information contained in the documents to become informed about the pest populations. "The more you know about the pests, especially the insects, the easier it is to manage the problem without a complete reliance on pesticides." Mr. Hicken also stresses that it is important to remember that not all insects are pests. "Many insects are natural predators of pests and knowing how to identify the "good" bugs from the "bad" allows you to better manage the pest problem with alternative methods."
The concern shown by Islanders during recent public consultations on pesticide use convinces Minister Bradley that homeowners and gardeners will welcome the hints that are contained in both the brochure and the information sheets. "Knowing what alternative controls are available, will allow Islanders to make individual choices on pest control that will give benefit beyond their own backyard or garden," noted Mr. Bradley.
The helpful hints brochure describes how an Integrated Pest Management approach can be developed, offers information on storage and disposal of pesticides as well as tips on safety and first aid.
The information booklet on common pests describes the appearance of the pests, their life cycle and offers information on physical, biological, cultural and chemical methods that might be used to control them. The booklet is available upon request from Island Information Services, Regional Services Centres, Potato Services in Kensington, the Agricultural Research Station in Charlottetown, and the Departments of Environmental Resources and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Participating garden centres have also received a copy of the booklet as a reference to assist their customers in identifying garden and lawn pests.
For more information, contact Ken Lingley, Dept. of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 836-5450, or James Mutch, Environmental Resources, 368-5599.