Agriculture is widespread in South Florida, which also means it attracts various pests that feed on and damage the crops. From insects and rodents to fungi and weeds, these pests pose significant threats to farms, gardens, and orchards. These can cause huge losses for farmers.
Imagine investing your time, money, and effort into something day and night, only to find out that pests have ruined all of it. On top of that, the tropical climate of South Florida makes it perfect for pests to thrive all year round. You will even find them during the cold months.
It is important to think about the implications of pest infestations and be proactive. DIY solutions fail to provide lasting results, which is why you should hire the best commercial pest control near you. Read this blog to know what the common pests attacking agricultural fields are and how to protect your farms from them.
Common pests in South Florida’s agricultural areas
Here are some of the most common pests found in South Florida’s agricultural areas.
- Whiteflies.
Whiteflies are small, winged insects that suck sap from plants. They are infamous for transmitting plant viruses, which can lead to significant losses, particularly in tomatoes and ornamental plants. Removing weeds and using reflective mulches can help deter them.
- Aphids.
Aphids are small and soft-bodied insects that can be green, black, or brown. They are typically found on the undersides of leaves. These pests feed on plant sap, which can weaken plants and disturb their growth. Like whiteflies, they are also culprits for transmitting plant viruses. Ladybugs and parasitic wasps can help control aphids.
- Spider mites.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that thrive in hot and dry conditions. They often produce delicate webs on affected plants. They cause leaves to become yellow and eventually drop from the plant. They majorly target strawberries and vegetables. Increasing humidity around plants can deter spider mites.
- Fall armyworm.
The fall armyworm looks like a caterpillar that varies in color. It can be light green to dark brown with an inverted “Y” shape on the head. They have a big appetite, which is not good for crops, including corn, soybeans, and vegetable plants. Crop rotation and timely planting can help minimize infestations.
- Mediterranean fruit fly.
The Mediterranean fruit fly is largely found in citrus plants. Its distinct color and size can easily identify it. They are yellowish in color and have markings on their bodies. A Mediterranean fruit fly infestation can significantly reduce the quality of your crops and even lead to economic losses for farmers. Monitoring traps can help in early detection.
Tips to combat pests ruining agriculture
Effective pest control services are required to control pests ruining your agriculture. However, these are a few steps you can take on your own.
- Employ integrated pest management or IPM.
Integrated pest management methods involve the use of various strategies to control pest populations. For instance, monitoring their population by being vigilant is the first step. You can employ natural predators of certain pests to get rid of them without chemicals. Cultural practices like crop rotation and intercropping are also beneficial.
- Use chemicals.
In certain cases, chemical control becomes unavoidable. If you have pests, make sure to get pesticides formulated for those specific pests. You cannot get rid of aphids using a cockroach-killing spray.
Use pesticides with different active ingredients to prevent pests from developing resistance. Make sure to apply the chemicals when the pests are most vulnerable, such as their developmental days.
Protect your crops today!
Various pests might attack your crops, and there are many measures you can take to prevent them. However, if they are persistent and huge in numbers, the use of DIY or traditional methods may not work. Hire a professional pest control team in South Florida today and protect your crops!
