Black swallowtail caterpillar on dill

Pest problems in the garden usually arise either because the plants chosen are poorly adapted to the site (and hence under stress), or because inadequate attention is being paid to maintaining plant health through proper care and maintenance. Following the principles of IPM outlined in the guide below can help prevent pest outbreaks in the garden and benefit a surprising diversity of wildlife - both large and small. The larva on the right, for example, eventually turns into a beautiful Black Swallowtail butterfly - an addition to the garden that is well worth the sacrifice of a few of your dill plants, which will usually re-grow anyway.

An important component of IPM is conserving the suite of naturally occurring biological control agents (predators and parasites) that can help keep potential pests under control. Learn more with NMSU's Extension Publication resources:

• Circular 655: IPM for Home Gardeners

• H-172: Backyard Beneficial Insects of NM

• H-176: IPM Strategies for Common Garden Insect Pests of NM

• H-174: IPM Strategies for Common Insect Pests of Trees in NM

• H-177: Trees and Shrubs for Beneficial Insects in Central NM

These cards provide general IPM strategies and tips for four insect pests.

• IPM in Garden Tips (PDF)
• IPM for Recreational Lands

For visual ID guides, check out our Pocket Gardener Series.

• Bug Eating Bugs (PDF)
• Common Plant Diseases (PDF)
• Who Is Eating Your Plant? (PDF)
• Whose Eggs Are These? (PDF)