Nobody wants pests in their gardens and flowerbeds. They can eat on vegetables or strip flowers off the stems. Treating the pests has to be done in a way that won't harm plants or humans, yet will protect our precious vegetables and flowers. We know we must be good to the environment and we can't just spray every chemical we can't even pronounce. So we must look at natural pest control solutions. If we want to spend all of our time in the garden, physically removing the pests is the best natural way to get pests under control. Either picking the bugs and insects off of the plants or creating barriers at the base or over the whole area or filling in holes where pests are entering the area. The problem is, they seem to always find another way in. If snails are eating at plants, they can generally be found where it is damp and hiding under rocks and bricks near foliage that is strap like. Using other organisms to get rid of your pest is biological warfare. Many insects have natural enemies that will take care of the problem for you. Ladybugs, dragonflies and green lacewings love to help with your pest problem of aphids and other pests. They are also enjoyable to observe in the garden and do not harm any of your plants or food. Best of all, when the pests (their food supply) are gone, they will leave too, looking for more food somewhere else. Water can be used to attract dragonflies. Bacterial insecticides like b. Thuringienis work well on caterpillars. A good home remedy pest control for green aphids and mites is to mix one tablespoon of liquid soap and 1 cup of vegetable oil together. Use one teaspoon of this solution in one cup of water to spray on the aphids and mites. In all but the worst cases, organic pest control can be used to control the environment in a safe manner. Chemicals should only be used as a last resort when you just can't keep up with the pests. When you decide to go with chemical sprays, you should work first with the least toxic and progress from there as needed. The least toxic controls use horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, and dehydrating dusts. Read all directions and make sure that the pest you are trying to control is listed on the label for the product you use. |
