There are many options for
controlling pests including modifying one's home to prevent pest incursion,
using pest control products such as those bought at local hardware stores, sanitation
and habitat modification such as cleaning gutters to deter the propagation of
pests and hiring a professional. In addition to these, there are "biological"
control choices available to the consumer. Biological control is the use
of naturally occurring organisms which act as natural enemies to the pests in
question.
These approaches to pest
management may be used to reduce pesticide use. When used effectively
these methods can be a safe and effective approach to pest management.
As with all such management strategies, it is critical to correctly and comprehensively
identify all advantages and disadvantages of a particular strategy.
Some of the keys to successfully
using this strategy are: properly identifying the pest, accurately estimating
the population, obtaining the correct natural enemies, following release directions
correctly, and monitoring the effectiveness of the biological control.
The information listed here
has been compiled by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. The list represents
Michigan biological control suppliers and practitioner firms listed in a variety
of sources, including: 1) MSU Extension Bulletin, AM-116, "Who’s Who in
Michigan Integrated Pest Management 1994"; 2) Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms
in North America, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, 1997; and,
3) Farm Chemicals Handbook, 2001.
Michigan Suppliers of
Biological Control Products
| Inclusion
in this list does not imply an endorsement of the suppliers, their products,
or the practitioners by the Michigan Department of Agriculture, nor endorsement
by the sources from which the list was compiled; nor does this list imply
criticism of other suppliers or practitioners not listed. For some of
the organisms provided by some of the suppliers, there may be government
restrictions on their use and permits may be required for their shipment
and release. If permits are required, often the supplier has them or can
assist in obtaining them. |
Great Lakes IPM, Inc.
10220 Church Road, NE
Vestaburg, MI 48891
Phones: 517-268-5693
517-268-5911
FAX: 517-268-5311
Retail only.
Provides insect monitoring systems including traps, pheromones lures and
insect control items.
Koppert Biological
Systems Inc.
28465 Beverly Road
Romulus, MI 48174
Phone: 734-641-3763
Fax: 734-641-3793
Website: www.koppert.com
Technical advice e-mail:john@koppert.com
Provides beneficials for biological crop protection and natural pollination.
Praxis
2723 116th Avenue
Allegan, Michigan 49010
Phone: 888-205-1536
E-mail: sales@ipraxisibc.com
Website: www.ipraxisibc.com
Provides BioTool-kits (IPM programs for pest control) as well as Farmscaping
and landscaping for biological control.
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