Growing Degree Days for Pest Control

We calculate growing degree days for three regions: Dallas, Clarks Summit, and Mountain Top.

The growing degree day is calculated by recording the low temperature and the high temperature, adding them together, then dividing by 2 and subtracting the cardinal temperature below which no morphological development of insects occurs (average 50º).

Example:
Wednesday, February 21st Low temp 45º / high 65º (unusually warm) 45 + 65 = 110/2 = 55-50 (cardinal temp) = 5 growing degree days

Each insect has a certain number of accumulating growing degree days before it is vulnerable to pesticides. Often times the insect is only vulnerable for a short period and pesticides applied too early or too late will be ineffective. Once identified, the plant that is affected can be sprayed as opposed to all of the surrounding plants. Through scouting, pests can be found, identified, and be taken care of using the correct management process.

It is important to keep in mind that there are beneficial insects (insects that feed on non-beneficial insects – for example, lady bugs feed on aphids) as well as bees which we need as pollinators for all of our food plants (corn, wheat, vegetables, etc.).

Through using the formula for growing degree days, you will be able to determine when insects can be correctly managed to eliminate them from your plants as effectively as possible. The end goal through this entire process is to identify your plant problem and eliminate it to prevent any further damage to your property. Let’s make and keep those landscapes looking bodacious through proper care and management!

Look too confusing? Give us a call and we can put a program together for your property!