When we think of pest control we often go straight for the toxic solutions, not because we are evil, but because we believe this will be most effective. Despite some pest control methods posing threat to the environment, if handled by professionals, or high precaution, then things work out. However there are still questions raised about all different types of pest control, and the debate will continue on. If you’re concerned about the pests who are harvesting on your garden, and really want to try DIY organic solutions, there is no reason not to, it’s best to exhaust all methods possible. No one wants to be left looking at a garden they may have ruined themselves through pest control, but if you look at benefits that may come or organic options then why not have a go?
Organic pest control has many avenues, as people have studied long and hard on this issue, but lets just focus on the sprays, powders and pesticides. There are plenty of options when it comes to looking after your garden with organic products and here are some of them.
Diactomaceous Earth
-Diactomaceous is powder type substance that is created from fossilized water plants, diatoms. It has been around and about since the dinosaurs were on the earth, a part of the earths complex ecology.
-It is a mineral compound, and so a mineral based pesticide.
-To humans it is merely dust, so has harmful effects on us. However it is dust, and you probably shouldn’t inhale too much of it, because any sort of dust inhaled isn’t great.
-Insects however cope the full weight of the sharp edged dust, once a bug gets near it, it breaks down the outside layer of the insect, causing it to dehydrate and die. Usually this doesn’t take very long, about two days.
-It can be used in the control of adult flea beetles, thrips, mites, cockroach, slugs, snails,carrot root flies, fleas, pillbugs, ticks. And more.
Garlic Insecticide and Fungicide
-Garlic to most people is the best part of many meals, however it is quite the popular ingredient in organic pesticides (and fungicide)
– Lucky for us this pesticide is quite easy to make at home, it’s cost effective and clean. You can also easily buy bottles of this, so it can be even less effort.-It repels most insects from getting into your garden and eating you beloved flowers. However it also repels some animal pests, which is an added bonus.
Bug Shooter (Lemon Based)
-With such a quirky name you’d love to imagine what sort of mysterious compounds make up this natural insecticide. However it’s base ingredient is in fact lemon oil, and you thought lemons were only for lemonade!
-Safe for indoor and outdoor use
-It is designed so that bugs or insects are killed almost instantly, so you have to make sure to spray them when you see them, and look carefully.
-Kills crawling and flying insects : Earwigs Flea beetles, Mealybugs, Mites, Rose chafers, Japanese beetles, Leafhoppers etc.
You could go on forever describing the organic pesticides on the market at the moment, and many you can make yourself. However this gives you an idea of what to look for if you want to go at the pests alone.