This article will highlight some of the best ways to transition to more sustainable natural pest control options. Whether you are concerned about the environment or even a pet, these tips will help you make your garden a little more eco-friendly.
Going Natural with Pest Control
1. Get Some Good Garden Bugs
The correct selection of good garden bugs is a great natural pesticide that many gardeners are opting for. Some beneficial insects, including ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantises, are natural predators of garden pests, such as aphids, mites, and caterpillars, making them perfect additions to any garden with a pest problem.
These types of beneficial insects can be purchased from many garden centers or online and released into the garden to help control pest populations. In addition to beneficial insects, gardeners can also use other natural methods to control pests.
You can also look into planting companion plants, such as marigolds, which can help repel certain pests. By planting a variety of flowers and herbs, you can also attract other helpful insects to the garden. These methods are a great way to naturally control pests.
2. Look in Your Spice Drawer
Spices are a great way to ward off pests, as they can be used in a variety of ways to keep pests away from your home and garden. Spices can be used to make natural insect repellents, which can be sprayed around the perimeter of your home or garden to keep pests away.
Spices can also be used to make homemade traps, which can be placed around the home or garden to attract and trap pests. Additionally, spices can be used to make natural pesticides, which can be sprayed directly onto plants to keep pests away.
Spices can also be used to make natural repellents for animals, such as mice and rats. For example, cayenne pepper can be sprinkled around the perimeter of your home or garden to keep mice and rats (and even cats looking for a litter box) away. These reasons showcase how helpful spices can be in warding off unwanted pests.
3. Try Boric Acid
Boric acid is a naturally occurring mineral that also doubles as an amazing natural pest repellent. It is a white, odorless powder that is non-toxic to humans and other animals but is toxic to certain insects. Boric acid works by disrupting the nervous system of the insect, causing paralysis and death. It is most effective against ants, cockroaches, silverfish, and fleas.
There are many ways to use boric acid to repel unwanted pests.
- It can be sprinkled directly onto areas where pests are present, such as cracks and crevices.
- One can mix the acid with water and spray it onto surfaces.
- It can also be mixed with sugar and placed in bait stations to attract and kill pests.
- It can also be used in dust form, which is applied directly to areas where pests are present.
With so many use cases, it is easy to see how boric acid has become a staple for many gardeners trying to go natural.
4. Don’t Be Scared of Essential Oils
You might not think of essential oils as garden tools, but they can really help fend off pests trying to make their way into your garden. Essential oils are derived from plants and have a strong aroma that can be used to repel insects and other pests. The most common essential oils used for pest control are citronella, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil.
There are many ways to incorporate essential oils into your pest control practices. They can be used in candles, sprays, diffusers, and even as a natural insecticide. They are a safe and effective way to repel pests without the use of harsh chemicals.
It’s Time to Go Natural!
No one wants bugs crawling around on their tomatoes. But people also do not want to contribute to the major synthetic pesticide problem seen around the world. This is why more and more people are turning to natural solutions for pest control.
By getting creative with spices and welcoming good bugs, gardeners from around the world have begun to transition away from synthetic pesticides, and now might be the time for you to do the same. If learning more about pests in this article piques your interest, you can continue to learn more about integrative pest management here.
For more information about natural pest control services from the expert exterminators at Rid-A-Bug, reach out to us today!