Pest & Disease Control
Plant It Right: Repairing Our Streams
Streamside planting projects are vitally important in the restoration of fish and wildlife habitat. The success of these restoration projects is directly tied to proper planting techniques and subsequent maintenance.
Thurston County Master Gardener's Program
WSU Master Gardener volunteers are trained and certified as community educators to provide professional, unbiased, researched-based home gardening and horticulture information to the public.
Cornmeal and corn gluten meal applications in gardens and landscapes
Does cornmeal or corn gluten meal (CGM) have practical and/or legal uses as herbicide or fungicide in home gardens and landscapes? This document outlines research and current recommendations. (Washington State University Extension publication)
The Efficacy and Environmental Consequences of Kelp-Based Garden Products
Learn about the effectiveness and environmental impacts of processed seaweeds and kelps for home gardeners. (Washington State University Extension publication)
Organic Fungicides for the Home Gardener
Learn about the many products available to home gardeners to manage diseases caused by fungal pathogens on plants. (Washington State University Extension Home Garden Series)
Thurston County Master Gardener's Program
WSU Master Gardener volunteers are trained and certified as community educators to provide professional, unbiased, researched-based home gardening and horticulture information to the public.
Weeds: a common sense guide
An illustrated pdf from Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Environmental Health Division.
Natural Pest, Weed and Disease Control Workshop
This page includes WSU guide to crop rotation and other publications.
Weed Indicators of Stress Conditions and Control Options
A handy table listing weeds by common name, type, stress conditions indicated, and how to control
Washington State University guides
A big list of free downloadable publications on pests and pest-related topics.
Grow Smart Grow Safe
Pesticide how-tos and recommendations for organic pesticides.
Snohomish County Noxious Weed Program
Definitions and links to guides on identification of non-native plants that are highly destructive, invasive, competitive, and difficult to control or eliminate.
Lists of organic products certified by OMRI
The Organic Material Review Institute supports organic integrity by developing clear information and guidance about materials so that producers know which products are appropriate for organic operations.
Common plant diseases and how to treat them
Advice and photographs from squarefootgardener.org
DIY organic pest sprays
Recipes for making your own spray from squarefootgardener.org
Iron phosphate information
Detailed fact sheet from the National Pesticide Information Center, which provides objective, science-based information about pesticides and pesticide-related topics to enable people to make informed decisions.
Integrated Pest and Vegetation Management Policy (IPM)
For home owners and land managers Information from Thurston County about pests and the procedures used to monitor and control them. Each prescription contains a description of the pest or vegetation problem, its negative impacts, a monitoring process, non-chemical control strategies, chemical control strategy, and the timing for these events.
Organic Management of Flea Beetles
Learn about flea beetles, a common garden pest found throughout the Pacific Northwest, and how to manage them. (Pacific Northwest Extension publication)
Using Entomopathogenic Nematodes for Crop Insect Pest Control
Topics include the life cycle of entomopathogenic (beneficial) nematodes and how they control insect pests; obtaining, using, and storing; soil conditions necessary; application preparation, and more. (Pacific Northwest Extension publication)
Natural Pest, Weed, and Disease Control Workshop page
This webpage includes the Washington State University guide to crop rotation, and other publications.
Pesticide Ingredient: Acetic Acid/Vinegar
This publication offers a short overview of Acetic Acid (also known as vinegar when it is used as a food product) and how it works as a pesticide ingredient. (Washington State University Extension Home Garden Series)
Pesticide-free Neighborhoods
The Thurston County Common Sense Gardening program is looking for residents who would like to pledge to pesticide-free landscapes, yards, and gardens and place a sign in their yard stating you have a “Pesticide-Free Yard for Healthy Communities.” More information at the link.
Portable Field Hoophouse
Offers photos and construction plans for a portable, protective 10-by-42-foot "house" of plastic that protects early garden plantings from the cold. (Washington State University Extension manual, replaces EB1825)
Organic Pest Management in Backyard Fruit Trees and Berry Patches
Learn organic approaches keeping their home-grown fruit trees and berry plants pest free. (Washington State University Extension publication)
Natural Insecticides
This publication addresses the common misconceptions associated with products labeled "natural" and "organic," and describes related insecticides intended for home gardening. (Pacific Northwest Extension publication)
Root Weevils: a common sense guide
An illustrated pdf from Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, Environmental Health Division.
Viburnum beetle Fact Sheet #202E
Downloadable publication on this invasive pest from Europe that is currently established in the eastern United States, British Columbia, and parts of Washington. (Washington State University Extension)
Aphids: a common sense guide
An illustrated pdf from Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, Environmental Health Division.
