How to Successfully Control Aquatic Weeds in Lakes and Ponds
One of the most challenging tasks in managing lakes and ponds is the control of unwanted vegetation. Each year in spring and into summer, vegetation management will be the most important task for anyone managing lakes and ponds. Summer is also when recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating take place on lakes and […]
Aquatic Herbicides and Surfactants: What they are and how they are used
Freshwater ecosystems are a vital resource for all forms of life on Earth. Consisting of lakes ponds, rivers, streams, springs, bogs, and wetlands, freshwater ecosystems provide essential resources that allow plant and animal species to thrive. Therefore, we must protect freshwater ecosystems at all costs from possible threats. One major threat is weedy and invasive […]
What are Defoamers and Antifoam Agents and How are They Used?
Foam is simply described as air bubbles trapped in a liquid or solid. In most cases, foam is seen as something positive. For example, whenever you use soap to wash your hands, the formation of foam is pleasing. In fact, you assume that because of the foam, your hands will be clean after you finish […]
Adjuvants 101: Emulsifying Agents for Pesticide Use
Whenever pesticides are used, the desire is that the pest is controlled as efficiently as possible. This means that the constituents of the pesticide spray mixture must be formulated properly and are compatible within the mixture to do the job as desired. A good understanding of the chemicals in the pesticide spray mixture is […]
Pesticide Safety: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
When you ride a bike, you put on a helmet to protect your head … that’s a no-brainer. Likewise, when you get into a car, it is almost automatic to reach for the seat belt and strap in … another no-brainer. The bike helmet and seatbelt are examples of personal protective equipment, or PPE. They […]
Pesticide Safety: 10 Things that Must be on a Pesticide Label
Almost every manufactured product today comes with a set of instructions. The instructions are written to provide the buyer with a little knowledge to ensure successful use of the product. Where necessary, the instructions provide instructions that when followed provide adequate protection for the user. When it comes to using a pesticide, the most important […]
How Surfactants Affect Spray Droplet Size
The general goal in spraying for pest control is to get good coverage of the target pest. Thereafter, retention and spread of the pesticide on pest surface, penetration of pest surface, and a high level of pest control. Ideally, good coverage of the target pest is required for good control when using pesticides. However, good […]
Adjuvants 101: Understanding What is in Your Sprayer Tank
Understanding what is in your sprayer tank before you begin spraying is the most important aspect in management of a pest. Preparation of the pesticide spray solution happens in the sprayer tank where the right amount of pesticide is measured and placed into the tank and thereafter the tank is filled with water. Starting with […]
Ten Problematic Aquatic Plants to Watch in 2022
Aquatic ecosystems are vital resources for all forms of life on earth. They are compose of freshwater and marine habitats and support a wide range of plant and animal species. As we seek to conserve our vital water resources, we are forced to confront the major threats to Earth’s aquatic systems. Four threats are widely […]
Late Season Control of Perennial Weed Species
Each spring there is one perennial weed species that dominates the urban and rural landscape like no other. It has a beautiful yellow flower that looks good but is always growing where it is not wanted. The lawn or sometimes crop fields. Yes, I am talking about dandelion. Like clockwork, many home and property owners […]