On June 8, the Environmental Protection Agency banned Dursban from virtually all household uses. But that doesn't mean the bugs will abound. A University of Georgia expert says many options remain.

"There are many nonchemical ways to maintain a healthy landscape," said Kris Braman, an entomologist with the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Backyard IPM

Braman will teach a workshop, "Backyard IPM (integrated pest management) and Beneficial Insects," on June 29 at the Georgia Experiment Station in Griffin, Ga.

Braman will use slides and a walk through the Research & Education Garden to show how to identify beneficial insects and pests.

She will discuss ways to control pests. She'll look at using pest-resistant plants and proper planting, pruning, irrigation and fertilization. She'll show how and when to apply alternatives, too, such as oils, soaps and biological controls.

Healthy Landscape

"A healthy landscape is like a healthy person," Braman said. "It's strong enough to resist stresses such as disease and pests."

The workshop will be June 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Stuckey Auditorium. To sign up, send a $5 check (payable to "University of Georgia") to Research & Education Garden, 1109 Experiment St., Griffin, GA 30223.

For directions and more information, call Susan Varlamoff at (770) 229-3367.