In most general gardening books there will be a section on pest and disease control, so have a look at any of these in your library first, although a good book on pests and diseases is a great addition to any library. You should, however be cautious in making use of pest and disease advice in books from other countries which may not be appropriate for local conditions.
Pests and Diseases
What Garden Pest or Disease is That? – Judy McMaugh – Lansdowne Press (AUS) 1985 ISBN 0 7018 1932 4 – for years this has been the standard text for pest and disease identification, it is a big book chock full of colour photographs and line drawings. It is NOT a book about treating pests and diseases organically but you will not find a better book on identification around.
Insect Pests of Fruit and Vegetables in NSW – P. C. Hely, G. Pasfield, J. G. Gellatley – Inkata Press (AUS) 1982 ISBN 0 909605 27 0 – This one isn’t organic either but has good line drawings and black and white photos plus some colour photos to help you identify your pests (but you won’t find photos of the next door neighbours kids in here.....)
What Pest is That? – Frances Hutchinson – Bay Books (AUS) 1982 – ISBN 0 85835 539 9 – similar to the above, colour photos and line drawings to aid in identification but chemical controls throughout, except for a couple of pages at the back on organic controls.
The Organic Garden Doctor – Jackie French – Angus & Robertson (AUS) 1988 ISBN 0 207 16039 2 – lots of information on organic control of pests, diseases and weeds of fruit and veg as well as some ornamentals. Anything by Jackie French is guaranteed to be good and based on sustainable principles. Some colour photos but if you team it up with one of the identification books above you will have a winner!
Natural Control of Garden Pests – Jackie French – Aird Books (AUS) 1990 ISBN0 947214 13 5 – Lots of info in a small book, a couple of colour plates but no other illustrations.
Organic control of Household Pests – Jackie French – Aird books (AUS) 1988 ISBN 0 947214 02 X - Lots of info in a small book, but based around the home rather than the garden, a couple of colour plates but no other illustrations.
Bug – Tim Marshall – ABC Books (AUS) 2010 ISBN 978 0 7333 2501 4 – This is a companion volume to “Weed” listed below. It is a gold mine of information on the identification and control of garden pests using sustainable organic methods. There are a few line drawings so one of the more profusely illustrated books on identification is still needed but once you know your bug, this book will tell you how to deal with it.
