(i) Correctly identify the pests in your garden. Some insects are benign to plants or beneficial to the ecology of your garden and therefore should not be controlled.

(ii) For problematic insects, start with using the safest methods of control. This could include using a combination of cultural methods, biologicals and pheromone products.

(iii) Synthetic products can be considered as an intervention strategy, provided they are used responsibly. Where possible use products that selectively target the pests, as opposed to using broad spectrum insecticides which can in some instances can be more detrimental.