Efekto - Spring Home and Garden Pest Control Handbook

SPR I N G H O M E & G A R D E N

PEST CONTROL HANDBOOK

Welcome to your spring pest control handbook It’s time for Efekt-ive springtime pest control!

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CONTENTS SPR I N G I S C O M I N G PRE-SEASON PEST CONTROL . ................................................................ PAGE 04 Welcome spring Edible garden care Protecting trees, flowers and shrubs • Pruning and sealing • Protection against mildew, black spot and aphids • Snails and slugs Protect and treat the home • Insect protection

SPR I N G I S H E R E CONTROLLING PESTS BY PROVINCE ................................................. PAGE 10 Pest management for each climate Zone 1: Coastal summer rainfall Zone 2: Coastal winter rainfall Zone 3: Winter rainfall Karoo Zone 4: Summer rainfall Karoo and Highveld Zone 5: Bushveld Summer rainfall

F O R T H E LOV E O F SPR I N G PEST CONTROL TIPS AND TRICKS . ...................................................... PAGE 12 Home pest control checklist Mole protection Handling pesticides

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SPR I N G I S C O M I N G

PRE-SEASON PEST CONTROL A new season means a whole set of reasons to get on top of your springtime pest control! Now is the time to shake off the dormancy of winter and welcome in new life — without letting the pests sneak in.

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Getting your garden geared up for another season is important!

Make sure you don’t drop the ball after just getting out of winter.

Now is the time to care for plants.

MONITOR YOUR PLANTS EACH DAY Staying diligent is one sure way to catch a pest in its early stages before it wreaks complete havoc. Always remember, pest prevention is better than cure. But we can help you along every step of the way, whether you need to prevent or treat pest symptoms.

Look out for: • Discolouration or wilting of leaves • Holes or chew marks appearing on leaves • Any appearances of insect clustering under leaves • Slime trails along grass or on plants

MAINTAIN YOUR WEEDING SCHEDULE KEEP PLANTS HYDRATED Water in the morning before the heat of the day sets in. Focus on deep watering at the roots with a watering can or a soaker hose, as sprinkler systems tend to lose water to evaporation. Wonder Waterwise Crystals is a water holding polymer that retains water and releases moisture on demand for the plant.

Wonder Waterwise Crystals retain water and are the right choice for Waterwise gardening.

HARVEST AND PRUNE TO ENCOURAGE GROWTH Pruning is an essential way to controlling the size and shape of plant growth, removing diseased branches or limbs and improving the plant’s structure.

See our guide to pruning on page 6 chevron-right

FERTILISE FREQUENTLY Discover the world of Wonder fertiliser.

Choose the solution for your every need: • Planting and prepping the soil • Fruits and vegetables • All purpose • Lawn and leaf • Rose and flower

Not sure which weed control solution is right for you?

Explore our range of products for each need: Efekto Banweed MCPA A soluble contrate, ideal for Buffalo lawns, established lawns and turf, and controlling broad-leaved weeds in newly planted lawns.

Efekto Hormoban™ APM A water-miscible concentrate, used for both broad-spectrum broadleaf control and a wide range of weeds.

Efekto Turfweeder™ 457,5 SL Selective weedkiller used to control a wide range of broad-leaved and hard to control weeds including Creeping sorrel and Bur clover, as well as Dandelion, milkweed and many others.

Efekto No-weed Lawn RTU A spray solution perfect for smaller areas needing direct treatment in the lawn.

Efekto No-weed Paving RTU A non-selective herbicide spray solution designed to control broadleaf and grass weeds on paving and surrounding areas.

Efekto Clear Up Weed and Grass Killer All purpose non-selective weed killer, controls grasses and broadleaf weeds.

No Weed Paving RTU: Reg. No. L6335 N-AR0539 | Act No. 36 of 1947 W130197 No Weed Lawn RTU: Reg. No. L6244 N-AR0527 | Act No. 36 of 1947 W130282 Turfweeder™ 457,5 SL: Reg. No. L8875 N-AR1848 | Act No. 36 of 1947 W130103 Hormoban APM: Reg. No. L0412 N-AR 0134 | Act No. 36 of 1947 W130198 Banweed MCPA: Reg. No. L0466 N-AR0121 | Act No. 36 of 1947 W103201

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GARDEN GURU TIP

For this season, in particular, protect your stone fruit trees by spraying with Efekto Virikop to protect them from leaf curl disease, with a once-off application after pruning.

PRUNING AND SEALING Not only does pruning promote new growth, but it also increases fruiting power and capacity, ensuring the health of your plant.

Throughout the season, take your pruning in stages.

For early spring: Prune grapes before their sap starts to move. In warmer areas, this may be your last chance to prune (like coastal Durban) but in colder areas (inland or mountain regions), it can be done as the weather warms.

Avoid pruning peaches, plums and almonds while winter is still lingering because it can spread the silver leaf virus.

Once spring has truly set in, prune your apples, pears and apricots. These fruits should be pruned closer to summer to limit the spreading of any viruses.

In late spring: Prune back your citrus to open up the framework of the plant.

By removing old growth, you are allowing more light into your plant or tree and also remove any diseased or dead wood.

As for your flowers, prune back camellias as soon as they finished flowering. For extra assistance for a thorough clip and cut, refer to our complete pruning guide and arm yourself with Efekto Steriseal. This fungicidal pruning wound paste is designed to assist your pruning projects on all your roses, grapevines, shrubs and fruit trees.

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PROTECTION AGAINST MILDEW, BLACK SPOT AND APHIDS

HOW TO IDENTIFY PLANT FUNGUS:

Once you’ve clipped back your old growth, it’s time to eliminate any residual pests and stop new ones from moving in. Spray your deciduous fruit trees with a winter clean-up spray, like Efekto Kumulus WG and Efekto Oleum, to remove any overwintering pests and diseases.

Black spot You’ll notice black spots with yellow borders on older leaves. The leaves will turn yellow and fall off. To get rid of this fungus, continue spraying weekly until the fungus is controlled. Black spot should be treated preventatively after heavy rain and heat conditions.

Aphids

Mildew

In warm areas, aphids may begin to appear on fresh new shoots. They can be identified by their small, pearshaped soft bodies, usually green to black in colour. You will notice them in small groups called colonies on leaves and new growth. They are sap feeders, so this means that they will cause your leaves to curl and stunt growth. To avoid further damage, control their invasions with Efekto Aphicide.

As soon as pests appear, spray crops with Efekto Cypermethrin 200EC and for the home and garden, use Efekto Malasol.

A greyish-white powdery growth will show on the younger parts of your plants. This fungus causes stunting and shrivelling of leaves.

Roses If your rose blooms are struggling with aphids or cases of black spot or mildew, spray them with Efekto Rosecare 3 or Efekto Rosecare Plus.

Efekto Virikop: Reg. No. L0527 N-AR 0146 | Act No. 36 of 1947 W130195 Efekto Steriseal: Reg. No. L4231 N-AR0154 | Act No. 36 of 1947 W130196 Efekto Oleum: Reg. No. L3575 N-AR0138 | Act No. 36 of 1947 W130188 Efekto Kumulus WG: Reg. No. L2404 N-AR0732 | Act No. 36 of 1947 Efekto Malasol: Reg. No. L1353 G635 N-AR0137 | Act No. 36 of 1947 W130186 Efekto Aphicide: Reg. No. L0528 N-AR0120 | Act No. 36 of 1947 W130193 Efekto Cypermethrin 200EC: Reg. No. L4069 N-AR0945 | Act No. 36 of 1947 Efekto Rosecare 3 RTU: Reg. No. L7599 N-AR 0726 | Act No. 36 of 1947 Efekto Rosecare® Plus: Reg. No. L10643 N-AR2043 | Act 36 of 1947

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PROTECTING TREES, SHRUBS AND FLOWERS

Snailflo: Reg. No. L1793 N-AR0144 Act No. 36 of 1947 W130281 Eco Snail & Slug Trap

SNAILS AND SLUGS

Are you finding slime at the scene of the crime?

You can suspect slugs and snails as the culprits. These pests will munch through tender shoots and leaves of newly planted flowers at nighttime and during moist, wet weather conditions. Fresh new seedlings, foliage, tender stems, herbs, and succulent fruit attract them — and they can travel up to 12 metres just to feed on your precious plants.

Seasonally, you’ll find that moist springs and late falls cue heightened snail and slug activity. They enjoy warm humid climates as well as overcast and foggy days.

These pests will take shelter in dense groundcovers, under weeds, leaf debris (think compost and leaf moulds) and also discarded boards in your rubbish pile.

Sunny and windy spaces will dry them out, so they tend to avoid exposed areas.

Control these pests with: Efekto Snailflo This unique liquid suspension concentrate is a contact and stomach poison that is ideal for both gardens and edible crops.

Efekto Snailban A solution that works by using granular bait pellets straight from the packet. Snailban utilises a special bait that lures both slugs and snails to the product, then works on contact and stomach action.

Efekto Eco Slug and Snail Trap These take a different approach to slug and snail pest control. It relies purely on either beer or yeast or you can use diluted Efekto Snailflo.

To use this product, dig a hole about 3.5 cm deep. Then, bury the trap with the upper half exposed, or place slug traps amongst bushes or other areas where you find slugs or snails.

Next, add a small amount of beer and sugar — or — water, sugar and yeast.* Afterwards, place the lids back on the traps and wait for them to attract slugs and snails. Once a few days have passed, empty the traps out and then refill.

HOW TO MAKE A FERMENTED SUGAR MIXTURE: Add one or two tablespoons of sugar and one teaspoon of dried yeast to about 300 ml of water. Then, stir the mixture and pour it into a bowl.

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PROTECT AND TREAT THE HOME As the warmer weather slowly makes its way back to our homes, we can’t help but celebrate. We open windows and doors to let in warmth, sunshine and a fresh breeze. Delightful.

However, don’t let your guard down. This is when pests make their way into your home and settle in for the warmer months.

Home Believe it or not, but your garden care is directly related to how well your home will fare in high pest season. Keep your grass trimmed and weeds treated to eliminate any areas pests may take shelter in. If you have outside cats or dogs, they will likely bring in these irritants. Additionally, remove any standing bodies of water near your home or horse stables that will create a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Use Efekto No Insect Indoors NF Flying Insects, a fast-acting ready-to-use insecticide for the control of flying insects.

Pets Think your home or pets may have fleas?

Look out for: • Small jumping insects without wings • Dark brown in appearance • Hard bodies with longer back legs Eliminate any chances of these pests before they appear by getting to work on protecting and treating your pets from pests with our ultimate flea control and prevention guide. Find all of our tick and flea solutions in sprays, powders and shampoos.

No Insect Indoors NF Cockroaches RTU:Reg. No. L9148 N-AR1568 Act No. 36 of 1947 No Insect Indoors NF Ants RTU: Reg. No. L9148 N-AR1568 Act No. 36 of 1947

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SPR I N G I S H E R E

CONTROLLING PESTS BY PROVINCE

PEST MANAGEMENT FOR EACH CLIMATE 10

ZONE 1: COASTAL SUMMER RAINFALL Conditions: This region is characterised by dry, frost-free winters, as it is influenced by the warm Indian Ocean — a happily frost-free zone that does not require much transitioning to spring. Along the southern regions, they experience winter rainfall and have cooler conditions. As the coastal city of Port Elizabeth (known as the Windy City) is prone to harsh gusts, be sure to invest in well- rooted plants. Warmer, moist weather starts to set in just before the harsh heat of summer.

ZONE 2: COASTAL WINTER RAINFALL Conditions: This zone contains subtropical plants and experiences a nearly frost-free winter, if not a very light short duration of frost. As the soils are derived from Table Mountain, they are generally poor in this area, which limits the choice of plants in this zone. Though a fresh, crisp breeze still blows during spring months, you can expect some warmer weather starting to creep in, inviting new pests to make their way steadily into homes and gardens.

ZONE 3: WINTER RAINFALL KAROO Conditions: This region is subject to either no frost or light frost. The region experiences winter rainfall, yet also experiences summer rainfall in the eastern parts. The soil here is quite rich in minerals and many subtropical plants grow well — if they are watered sufficiently and planted in areas where frost is light.

ZONE 4: SUMMER RAINFALL KAROO / HIGHVELD Conditions: In this zone, winter frost limits outdoor plant choice.

Good to know though, there are wide choices of frost-resistant plants that work well here. Summers experience rainfall and then have dry winters. In the north-western areas, however, the rainfall is very low. When you select your plants for this area, keep this in mind.

ZONE 5: BUSHVELD SUMMER RAINFALL Conditions: Think dry, mild winters, with the possibility of frost being a problem in higher-lying regions. While the eastern part receives a fair amount of rainfall, the northern and western areas are drier. Although soils do differ, they are generally quite rich and residents here have a vast choice of plants for this region. Rich soils means lush plants and all sorts of hungry pests feasting on your gardens.

Coastal towns of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape

Pests: Flies and mosquitoes, moles, cockroaches, slugs and snails Products: Efekto No Insect Indoors

NF Flying Insects, Mole Repellent, Efekto No Insect Indoors NF Cockroaches RTU, Efekto Eco Snail and Slug Trap

Coastal Southern Cape and Table Mountian

Pests: Flies and mosquitoes, moles, slugs and snails, aphids Products: Efekto No Insect Indoors

NF Flying Insects, Mole Repellent, Efekto Eco Snail and Slug Trap, Efekto Aphicide.

Also, be sure to browse Wonder fertilisers to enhance your soil’s nutrition

Northern and coastal regions of Namaqualand

Pests: Mice and rats, Harvester Termites Products: Efekto Eco Rat, Efekto Plant

Protector / Efekto Kamikaze

The “great escarpment”

Pests: Mice and rats, Harvester Termites Products: Efekto Eco Rat, Efekto Plant

Protector / Efekto Kamikaze

Bushveld region

Pests: Mice and rats, Harvester Termites Products: Efekto Eco Rat, Efekto Plant

Protector / Efekto Kamikaze

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F O R T H E LOV E O F SPR I N G

PEST CONTROL TIPS AND TRICKS MOLE PROTECTION

HOW TO IDENTIFY SIGNS OF A MOLE?

Spring weather is a time of renewed life and a chance of more moisture depending on the region you live in. And with this, brings the real possibility of moles moving in.

There are two distinct disturbances you will notice in your garden (apart from a very frustrated dog digging away in your lawn or garden):

Mole Repellent: Reg. No. L6271 N-AR1848 | Act No. 36 of 1947

1. Molehills or mole mounds: these appear as irregular trails/ridges of lifted soil about 8cm wide.

2. Mole tunnels: look for cone-shaped mounds of soil about 15-60cm in diameter and 5-20cm high and are usually found on the edges of fields and lawns.

If you happen to discover a creature, you can identify it as a mole by the distinguishing features of velvety fur, a long pink hairless snout and a small potato-like body with what appears to be an eyeless head.

To stop these pests wriggling their way into your garden and disturbing your lawns and flower beds, work on reducing attractants. These include: • Compacting loose soil — this will help make the ground difficult to dig through for the moles.

• Replacing soil and mulch with clay or gravel to improve your drainage systems.

• Reducing the moisture content of the soil — we suggest improving your drainage systems.

• Avoiding watering the lawn excessively — as soft and damp ground attracts moles and their prey earthworms, watering control is quite important. Use the recommended 2.5cm of water a week in early mornings so the water evaporates before nightfall. This helps keep the soil just wet enough, but not as damp for moles.

Lastly, apply an effective repellent. Use Mole Repellent. This liquid mole repellent is designed to work against pusher and surface moles.

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HANDLING PESTICIDES Ensuring you do take on your pest control project as safely as possible is imperative. If you are new to handling pesticides or herbicides, we urge you to read all product information and research best practices on our guide to navigating pest control health and safety.

For an example of how important it is to handle pest control, watch our video tutorial guides. In them, we demonstrate how to take on various projects with solutions from both Efekto and our sister brand, Wonder.

Start by Levelling the mole heaps — stamp and flatten all visible piles of soil. You will need to be patient to observe where the next heap appears and treat those areas. By doing this, you will be able to assess which direction they are moving.

Next Form a half-moon shaped ‘barrier’ of extractdrenched soil opposite to the direction you are chasing them (which should be close to the active tunnels). Make sure the soil is loose when applying repellents.

• For pusher moles: move the molehill soil away.

Locate the entrance to the tunnel and pour 10ml of Mole Repellent into the tunnel as deeply as possible. Then, cover the opening with soil and stomp it down.

• For surface moles: look for the mole run and locate the tunnel entrance. Pour 10ml of the repellent down the tunnel and cover with soil, stomping to compact.

Continue to Level mounds that appear and apply the repellents in the holes, chasing the moles out of your garden space. For larger spaces like golf courses and sports fields, additional applications will be necessary. And for more information about this product, refer to our Mole Repellent fact sheet.

IN SPRING, AT THE END OF THE DAY, YOU SHOULD SMELL LIKE DIRT. MARGARET ATWOOD

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CONGRATULATIONS! You have worked through your spring pest control handbook. Now that you have put the work in, it is important to maintain your efforts throughout the year. Stay subscribed to your Efekto emailer for the next edition of our ebook series — for summer!

We’ll help you get your garden primed and protected for a lush and lively space you’ll be proud to call your own.

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REACH OUT TO EFEKTO We hope our Spring Gardening Guide has been helpful!

If you have a question related to spring gardening that we haven’t quite answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

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