The Australian No Suckers Insectary Motel

Hi everyone My name is Mr Peter Persuasive Hi everyone My name is Mr Peter Persuasive. I am the owner of the Australian No Suckers Insectary Motel. All plants and animals are welcome, however, do the wrong thing, for example, seen sucking on our plants, and you will be asked to leave immediately.

Hello, I am Mr Peter Persuasive’s receptionist Hello, I am Mr Peter Persuasive’s receptionist. My name is Mrs Integrated Pest Management. I persuade guests to call me Mrs IPM for short. Sounds “cool” don’t you think? Mrs IPM, short for Integrated Pest Management. As you will find out later Mr Peter Persuasive has me playing a very important role in the running of his motel.

To ensure the safety and healthy well being of all ecosystems, agriculture and communities who visit his motel, Mr Peter Persuasive employs helpers to carry out regular biosecurity measures through monitoring and surveillance at the motel . We are some of those useful helpers used to stop the spread of harmful aphids. Lilly and Larry Ladybug Wade and Wendy Wasp

Laurence and Lola Lacewing Henry and Holly Hoverfly Alice Alyssum – I am an example of an insectary plant very beneficial for attracting predators that my friends above can attack to keep a living healthy environment.

As Australians value their food and fibre production we, that’s Mr Persuasive and myself Mrs IPM are on the constant lookout for symptoms of aphids : slow growth rates mottled leaves yellowing and browning of leaves stunted, decreased growth rate curled leaves browning wilting low production yields AND

in some cases death in plants

Mr Peter Persuasive is always lecturing us (ongoing persuasion)on the comfort and survival of his plant visitors. To ensure this happens all our rooms have: diverse, companion planting to provide habitat, shelter and alternative food sources – “goodies” need a good diet. interspersed vegetable beds with rows of insectary annuals to add decorative elements (to the room). some salad and cabbage crops to blooming to also attract beneficial insects. plants of different heights to cater for the life styles of a wide variety of insects. a variety of flowers as large nectar filled flowers can drown some parasites. green manure such as clover as it can act as a soil enhancement. herb sections to attract the desired visitors.

Before you go to your room please read this notice carefully Before you go to your room please read this notice carefully. Keep an eye out for and definitely do not invite the exotic Russian Wheat Aphid to join you on your stay at The Australian No Suckers Insectary Motel. For quick identification look for an aphid 2 millimetres long, pale yellowish green in colour with a waxy coating, a short antennae and two tails. Last seen in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. Check all wheat, barley and some grasses. Please report absence and presence in the places you visit. Please remain vigilant – on farm biosecurity is Number1.

Yes, me again, Mrs IPM – remember, short for Integrated Pest Management Our last big push for your comfort is what I do in the background- while you sleep. I ensure: biological control is on stand by to attack if necessary. cultural and physical controls are in place. less toxic chemical controls are only used when absolutely necessary. plants are chosen wisely with those most resistant to diseases and match planting site. genetic control techniques are used. Pheromone (a chemical released by insects and other organisms into the environment in order to communicate with others of the same species) traps are used to monitor insects closely.

We, Mr Peter Persuasive and Mrs Integrated Pest Management look forward to you arriving and leaving with a smile on your face, however remember to take note of all advice given. Final warning – if your initials are RWA (short for Russian Wheat Aphid) Mr Peter Persuasive and Mrs Integrated Pest Management will be dealing with you immediately. In other words you will be instantly eliminated. Get it? Gone for good!! We have given you the facts that should convince you not to ignore what millions of insects and plants in Australia (and world wide) believe is the best environment to live and raise a family in. HAVE WE PERSUADED YOU TO STAY WITH US ? LUXURY GUARANTEED