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Most gardeners know this story.
大多数园丁都知道这个故事。
They have planted beautiful gardens and they are happy to see helpful insects like bees and butterflies surrounding the flowers.
他们种植了美丽的花园，他们很高兴看到蜜蜂和蝴蝶等益虫围绕着花朵。
But as they take a closer look, the tomato plants are covered in black dots and filled with harmful insects like aphids.
但当他们仔细观察时，番茄植株上布满了黑点，还爬满了蚜虫等害虫。
Some gardeners may immediately reach for chemicals like pesticide.
一些园丁可能会立即使用杀虫剂等化学物质。
But this is not wise.
但这是不明智的。
Although it may stop the aphid problem, it will also threaten bees and butterflies.
虽然它可以阻止蚜虫问题，但它也会威胁到蜜蜂和蝴蝶。
They help plants reproduce and keep harmful insects, or pests, under control.
它们帮助植物繁殖并控制害虫。
Instead, take a series of small steps to control the harmful insects.
反而，应该采取一系列小步骤来控制害虫。
The process starts with the idea that having some pests is acceptable.
这个过程始于这样一个想法，即有一些害虫是可以接受的。
Only when there are too many pests should a pest control be considered.
只有当害虫太多时，才应该考虑控制害虫。
The first defense should always be the safest method available.
第一道防护措施应该一直是最安全的方法。
Also remember that helpful insects like butterflies start out as caterpillars.
还要记住，诸如蝴蝶之类的益虫最初是毛虫。
And all caterpillars eat plants.
所有的毛虫都以植物为食。
So, some plants will have at least some holes, which is good for the ecosystem.
因此，一些植物至少会有一些洞，这对生态系统是有利的。
But how do you deal with the aphids on tomato plants?
但是如何处理番茄植株上的蚜虫呢？
You want to wash aphids off with a strong current of water.
你想用一股强水流把蚜虫冲走。
It usually works.
这通常很管用。
But if they continue to return after several attempts, and you believe it is time to take stronger actions, take another small step.
但如果它们在多次尝试后仍然回来，且你认为是时候采取更强有力的行动了，那就再迈出一小步。
In this case, the next step would be to use a pest control called insecticidal soap.
在这种情况下，下一步就要使用一种叫做杀虫肥皂的害虫控制方法。
It is nontoxic and safe for people, helpful insects when dry, and most plants.
它无毒，对人安全，变干后对昆虫有益，对大多数植物也有益。
Make sure your plant is not one of the few that is sensitive to the product.
确保你种植的植株不是少数对该产品敏感的植株之一。
As a rule, prevention is the best treatment.
一般来说，预防是最好的治疗方法。
Inspect plants closely, including under their leaves, before bringing them home from the store.
在将植物从商店带回家之前，要仔细检查植物，包括叶子下面。
Do not bring any home that show signs of disease or the presence of harmful insects.
不要把任何有患病迹象或存在害虫的植株带回家。
When planting, space plants out to permit them to grow to their full size.
种植时，把植物分隔开，让它们长到最大尺寸。
Plants too close together can grow harmful organisms like mold, mildew, and fungus.
植物靠得太近会滋生霉菌、真菌等有害生物。
Keep your garden clear of fallen leaves, fruit, and other waste.
花园里不要有落叶、水果和其他垃圾。
They invite insects and other harmful pests if permitted to remain on the ground.
如果你允许它们留在地面上的话，它们会招致昆虫和其他害虫。
When you do see pests like aphids, wash them away.
当你看到诸如蚜虫之类的害虫时，把它们洗掉。
Use rubbing alcohol for removing some insects or pick them off the plants.
用擦拭酒精清除一些昆虫或把它们从植株上摘下来。
Traps can be used to capture insects like slugs.
捕捉器可以用来捕捉诸如鼻涕虫之类的昆虫。
If you decide a pesticide is necessary, choose it carefully and follow the directions and warnings on the product.
如果你认为杀虫剂是必需的，请仔细选择，并遵循产品上的说明和警告。
Avoid using any pesticides in extreme heat, on windy days, or when plants are wet.
避免在酷热、刮风或植物潮湿的时候使用杀虫剂。
Treat the plants early in the morning or at night, when helpful insects, like bees and butterflies, are inactive.
在清晨或晚上，即当蜜蜂和蝴蝶等益虫不活跃的时候，处理这些植物。
It might hurt, but consider removing flowers from the plant to lessen the risk that helpful insects will come in contact with the pesticide.
这样做可能会有损害，但可以考虑将花从植株上摘下来，以减少益虫接触杀虫剂的风险。
In most cases, more flowers will come.
在大多数情况下，会长更多的花。
Pesticides like insecticidal soap and horticultural oil work by suffocating pests rather than poisoning.
诸如杀虫肥皂和园艺油之类的杀虫剂是通过使害虫窒息而死而不是中毒而死来起作用的。
They must come in direct contact with the pests, and they become safe for helpful insects once they have dried.
它们必须与害虫直接接触，一旦这类杀虫剂变干，对益虫来说就安全了。
I'm Gregory Stachel.
格雷戈里·施塔赫尔为您播报。
译文为可可英语翻译，未经授权请勿转载！
