Pests are a problem in many gardens and can ruin your flower bed or a good
crop of vegetables. When dealing with pests, and especially in vegetable
gardens, you want to use methods that are safe for both plants and humans. Since
avoiding the use of harsh chemicals for pest control is a good idea all around,
here's some tips on some gentler methods of getting rid of garden pests.
Physical Pest Control
Time consuming but very natural, this method consists of many things you can
physically do to control bugs and other pests. Picking grubs off by hand,
creating barriers and traps and plugging holes. If snails are a problem, look
for them hiding in damp places under rocks and near the base of those plants
with straplike foliage.
Biological Pest Control
Get rid of pests by inviting insects in that eat them! Encouraging predatory
insects such as dragonflies and green lacewings into your garden can help in
your pest control efforts as they eat aphids and other pests that attack your
plants. So how do you attract them? Try simply placing a shallow bowl of water
in the garden. Dragonflies especially love water and will hover around it.
Bacterial insecticides such as B. thuringiensis can also be used against
caterpillars.
Safer Pest Control Recipes
You can mix up some solutions for pest control that are safe - and you
probably have the ingredients right in your kitchen! To get rid of green aphids
and mites - Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid soap and 1 cup vegetable oil. Dilute a
teaspoon of this solution in a cup of water and spray on aphids and mites.
Organic pest control methods can be successful and are much better for both
you and the environment. Sometimes, however you cannot get rid of pests
organically and must turn to chemicals as a last resort. If chemical sprays are
really necessary you must use the least-toxic. Some of the least toxic pest
control includes horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils and
dehydrating dusts. Make sure that the chemical sprays and solutions you use are
made specifically for the pests you are targeting.
About the Author
Lee Dobbins writes for
Backyard
Garden And Patio where you can get more great gardening and landscaping
tips.
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