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Wasps and other stinging insects were among the targets as Las Cruces Utilities hosted two workshops bringing together staff to provide "best practices" for managing an array of pests &mdash; everything from weeds and insects to gophers and snakes &mdash; without putting our water supply at risk from overuse of pesticides and other chemicals.
Whether it's stinging insects, noxious weeds, a tree-damaging fungus or gophers and snakes, they are all considered "pests" in an environment like a local park. Las Cruces Utilities brought together agencies from around the region to two Integrated Pest Management Trainings to get the word out about how to best control local pests without endangering our water supply.

Leeann DeMouche, Water Conservation Coordinator for Utilities, said "Our overarching concern is encouraging correct application of chemicals in trying to control pests, because eventually, it all washes downstream to the river or leaches into groundwater. So, in this training, we start with common sense strategies to reduce sources of food, water and shelter for pests in buildings and grounds."

Then, Integrated Pest Management looks at all pest management strategies, including the judicious and careful use of pesticides when necessary. "Implementing an IPM program helps foster healthier and happier plants, which means, in the long run, less water, fewer chemicals and lower costs."

Thirty-five to 40 people attended each workshop, including staff from Doñ:a Ana County, Las Cruces Parks, White Sands, NASA and NMSU. Attendees had the opportunity to hear about pesticide safety, principles of IPM for the urban environment, and pesticide laws and regulations.

Some measures can be taken to prevent attracting pests, like choosing healthy, pest-resistant plants appropriate for your area (consider soil, space, etc.), building healthy soil with increased organic matter, and designing your landscape with IPM in mind.

Existing plants, however, may already be stressed; and stressed plants attract pests. When plants are wounded, live in hot, dry and dusty environments, highly polluted environments, or windy and isolated atmospheres, they are at high risk of pest infestation.

It is important to monitor pests before choosing to use any pesticides. Here is a checklist to keep in mind when monitoring: 1. What pests are present?

2. What is the life stage of the pest?

3. Are any of the pest's natural enemies present?

4. Is the number of pests increasing?

5. If so, is further action required?

"When you monitor the pests you are able to make a much more informed decision about whether further action is actually needed," said Dr. Tessa Grasswitz, IPM specialist. "Don't jump too quickly into the decision to use pesticides."

If pesticides are necessary, take the following steps before spraying:

1. Make sure that you have identified the correct pest.

2. Make sure the pests are still present.

3. Be certain the pest's natural enemies are not present.

4. Be sure the weather is conducive to spraying.

5. Make certain the pests are in the correct life stage.

Lastly, choose the correct product and apply wisely.

For assistance in choosing the right pesticide product, visit the New Mexico Department of Agriculture website,

An IPM program is key to creating a safer and generally less costly option for effective pest management in a community. For more information, contact Leeann DeMouche at 575-528-3549.
