Integrated Pest Management is a low impact approach to controlling landscape pests that emphasizes minimizing the use of pesticides and utilizing low impact chemicals whenever possible. A crucial component of any IPM program is the winter time application of Horticultural Oil, which is also called Dormant Oil because it is applied during the dormant season. Horticultural Oil is considered a low impact pesticide because it has minimal effect on beneficial or neutral insects and does not persist in the environment. Horticultural Oil is actually one of our oldest pest treatment options and has been used in the nursery, orchard and landscape industries for decades.

Winter is an excellent time to apply Horticultural Oil. The oil is a highly refined petroleum or vegetable product that has been treated to allow it to mix with water. The oil is applied to the trunk and twigs of trees and shrubs where it smothers and kills overwintering insects and eggs. This type of treatment is effective against scale insects and most mites. Horticultural Oil is applied in winter when temperatures are above freezing.