With sustainability becoming one of the most popular trends among homeowners today, everyone is trying to look for more eco-friendly alternatives.
If you want to protect your property from pests without harming the ecosystem in the process, there are organic pest control methods you can use.
#1 Leaf Inspections
One of the most effective natural garden insecticides is doing regular leaf inspections. If the leaves appear discoloured or are unhealthy, they are likely to attract pests to your garden. It is important to get rid of all diseased or unhealthy leaves or plants from the garden immediately. Healthy plants that are free from any disease are less likely to attract harmful bugs and other pests. Make sure to also control weeds because they are the perfect habitat for harmful pests.
#2 Natural Seasoning
Certain kinds of seasoning may have more uses than those in the kitchen; they can be used against bugs and insects. These include:
- Black pepper
- Turmeric
- Salt
- Cayenne pepper
- Paprika
- Cinnamon
These and other seasonings work well as eco-friendly pest control methods. You can put some of these seasonings on a line on the window sill as a barrier against insects.
You can also fill small bags with cloves, bay leaves, or cinnamon. Place these in bookshelves, closets, cupboards, and other areas around the house where you normally find pests.
#3 Insecticidal Oils
Insecticidal oils are designed to suffocate pests and have been around for a long time. It cuts off the oxygen supply to the insects. Insecticidal oils are designed to kill the insects and their eggs that are not fully matured; however, it affects helpful insects. You can also use it to control psylla, aphids, mealy bugs, or spider mites.
However, before using the product, make sure you read the instructions on the packaging. If you do not, they can harm your trees and plants, specifically by causing leaf damage.
#4 Insecticidal Soaps
Insecticidal soaps use the fatty acids and salts within them to kill soft-bodied pests, like thrips, earwigs, mealybugs, whiteflies, aphids, and the early stages of scale. It enters the soft outer shell of pests, damaging cell membranes. Then, they start to break down, leading to starvation and dehydration. It can also be phytotoxic to specific plants, so be sure to test a small area before applying it on a larger scale.
One downside of this natural pest control method is that they are non-selective so they can even be toxic to helpful insects. Use them at a minimum amount, as with other pesticides. Fortunately, these are not harmful to humans and other mammals.
#5 Herbs
Lavender, rosemary, basil, mint, or other herbs work well as an eco-friendly pest control method. Having these in your garden will not only keep pests away but can also be used to control pests indoors. Many plant herbs throughout the lawn and in their vegetable gardens. It can attract helpful insects and deter pests. If you want to have companion plants in your garden and prevent pests from overtaking the lawn at the same time, planting the following will do the trick:
- Marigolds
- Lavender
- Eucalyptus
- Clove
- Lemongrass
- Chrysanthemums
- Petunias.
#6 Other Animals
Getting rid of squirrels, rabbits, and birds is important to prevent damage to plants and trees. You do not have to use chemicals to control them. Other options that also work wonders are two-string electric fences and automated sprinklers, but you know what the best rodent repellent is for your garden? Your cats! Indeed, it will give your feline friend some entertainment and exercise that it will not forget.
#7 Neem Oil
Neem oil is an eco-friendly pest control method that acts as a deterrent, repellent, and poison to feeding. It kills certain pests and stops or slows down the growth cycle of others. Neem oil is made from the Neem tree, which is found in India. You can also use it as a soil drench and a foliar spray that kills a wide range of pests, including mealybugs, whiteflies, loopers, thrips, and aphids.
One unique aspect of organic solutions is they work systematically. Your plants consume the Neem extracts through the roots and plant foliage, where it is present in the plant tissue. Due to this, Neem is also effective against leaf miners which are not affected by non-systematic foliar sprays.
#8 Spinosad
You can use spinosad on your vegetable and fruit crops. These are soil-based bacteria that kill garden pests including loopers, tent caterpillars, spider mites, beetles, borers, and bagworms. Once spinosad dries up, it will kill insects that ingest it, reducing the risks of harming bees and other helpful insects if sprayed in the evening when they are not moving. It comes in both dust and liquid forms under a wide range of names. You can just look for spinosad and other eco-friendly pesticides as active ingredients.
#9 Pyrethrin
One of the most widely used eco-friendly pesticides, pyrethrin is extracted from the chrysanthemum plant. It is safe for most mammals, making it a safe choice. It is a fast-acting, powerful deterrent, even if applied sparingly. Upon exposure, most flying insects will drop, but may not always be killed. Other manufacturers combine pyrethrin with more fatal solutions to ensure death.
#10 Essential Oils
Overall cleaning is one of the most important aspects of pest control. Instead of using chemical-filled or toxic-laden solutions, it is best to do most of the cleaning with natural products. Essential oils and vinegar are two of the recommended solutions for this. If you do not have any essential oils, you do not have to worry.
You can add citrus peels to a glass jar, and then cover with vinegar and let it cool for a few weeks. Then, strain the solution, add water, and use it as a natural bug repellent and DIY cleaner. Doing this with essential oils and vinegar gets rid of smells or food remnants so pests, insects, or bugs will not find a reason to stay.
Hiring an Expert
If you want to make sure you are using the right pesticides or organic pest control methods in your garden, you should get the right advice from your local arborists. Certain solutions may not work for everyone. It is just one of the reasons for getting help from a professional because they will inspect your property and recommend the right organic methods that are not harmful to your health and plants.
To maintain the health of your garden, reach out to Great Northern ReGreenery. We are a family-owned and operated full-service tree care company that has a solid reputation and track record in keeping gardens safe. We are based in Cookstown, Ontario. Visit our website for more information about the services we offer or give us a call at 1-877-775-7444.