Natural Garden Pest Control
Create an organic garden with a more
natural and balanced environment for the healthy production of vegetables,
fruits, herbs and flowers. Methods of preventing damage from pests in the
garden include discouraging them from coming in the first place. Natural
predators are beneficial in the garden and also eliminate the need for harmful
pesticides.
Attracting Beneficial Predators in the Garden
Preventing a pest problem is ideal
and creating an environment rich with natural predators means pests are less
likely to appear in the garden. Many insects, spiders and other animals are
beneficial as they prey on destructive pests such as aphids and blackfly. Here
are some of the visitors that have a positive effect in the garden and what
they like to eat:
- Ladybirds (aphids, mites and soft-bodied insects)
- Parasitic wasps (whiteflies, moth, fly and beetle
larvae)
- Lacewings (aphids, mites, scale and soft-bodied
insects)
- Frogs (beetles, moths, worms, slugs, snails and flies)
- Birds (caterpillars, earthworms, moths, beetles
- Hedgehogs (slugs, snails, insect larvae, beetles and
earthworms)
Attract the popular ladybird (or
ladybug in America) by buying nesting boxes and planting daisies, dill, tansy
or fennel. Avoid using slug pellets and other pesticides in your garden;
instead encourage hedgehogs in the garden by providing shelter and they will
eat up any slugs. Ladybird larvae and adults devour a whole range of pests
including green and blackfly. Create an appealing environment by not treating
aphids with pesticides, be patient and ladybirds will feast on them quickly.
Plant zinnias and tansy with vegetables to protect cauliflower, broccoli and
leafy greens.
Other plants that attract beneficial
insects include anise, catmint, comfrey, cornflower, Echinacea, feverfew,
chives, lavender, marigolds, nasturtiums and yarrow. Attract parasic wasps by
planting sweet alyssum, parsley, carrots, sunflowers and yarrow. Birds prefer
gardens with cover close to feeding areas- make sure there are bushes and tree
areas as well as food and water sources. Frogs can be encouraged by provided a
pond and dark areas of shelter. Hedgehogs require easy entry and exit points
into a garden as well as larger plants and cover that provide shelter.
Create a Healthy Garden
A well-kept garden is less likely to
have a pest attack. Pull out any weak plant and dispose of it away from the
garden area. Natural composting methods, mulching and top-dressing soil with
compost will help to develop strong, healthy plants that are less susceptible
to pests. Keep the garden free from weeds and debris because they are
attractive breeding places for pests. Plant mixed crops so pests are less
likely to strike on a whole crop. It is ideal to water the garden early so
foliage will be dry for most of the day. Wet plants can cause fungal damage and
appeal to pests. If is also important to clean and disinfect hands and tools
after working with infected plants to avoid cross-contamination of pests and
disease.
Homemade Non-toxic Pest Sprays
Homemade remedies are inexpensive
and an ideal alternative to pesticides. Natural sprays should still be used
with caution as they can burn plant leaves so it is important to test the spray
on a few leaves before spraying an entire plant. Many homemade sprays are
effective in controlling harmful insects. Spray plants in the evening as the
sun’s rays can damage already tender leaves. Ingredients for non-toxic sprays
include garlic, pepper, rue, baking soda and certain essential oils.
