Alternatives to Using Pesticides

Pesticide Alternatives

Pesticides have become an easy option to get rid of garden pests that threaten to destroy all your hard work. But these very pesticides can be harmful to other beneficial inhabitants in your garden and to your well being with all the chemicals in these concoctions.

The good news is that there are many non-toxic alternatives you can use that will also protect the good inhabitants of your garden.

Here are a few alternatives to pest removal and prevention that you can implement in your garden:

Neem Oil

A natural insecticide with low levels of toxicity, this oil extract can ward off weevils and other garden pests. Just mix a few drops of the oil concentrate with water and spray on affected areas.

Crushed Eggshells

Finely crushed eggshells sprinkled around your plants deter slugs and snails by scratching their smooth skin. While doing that, eggshells also provide a good source of calcium for your plants.

Salt Sprays

Mixing 2 tablespoons of Himalayan crystal salt with a gallon of warm water can be used to treat spider mites. Just spray the concoction on the affected areas.

Cayenne and Citrus Oil

This spicy and acidic mix is a good organic pesticide that effectively gets rid of ants. Simply mix a cup of warm water, 10 drops of citrus essential oil and a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Shake and spray liberally onto affected areas.

Eucalyptus Oil

Aside from smelling like a spa, sprinkling a few drops of eucalyptus oil is a good natural pesticide for wasps, bees and flies.

Vinegar and Water

An effective mildew killer. Mix one-part vinegar with three parts of water and spray on leaves and other areas affected with powdery mildew. Making sure your plants have a good drainage and are planted in a sunny area allowing them to properly dry can also help prevent mold and mildew growth.

Reintroduce/Invite Helpful Bugs

Thanks to nature’s balance, many garden pests have an equivalent predator in nature. All you need to do is use that to your advantage. Ladybugs feed on aphids tirelessly, Lacewings eat many soft bodied insects, birds feed on beetles – the list goes on. Arm yourself with knowledge and you’ll know which soldiers to add to protect your garden.

Keep Foliage Dry

A damp, musty foliage will encourage fungal growth, insects, and even slugs to inhabit your garden. To prevent that, water early so that your foliage is kept dry most of the day. Also consider investing in some rubber mulch to add to the foliage to reduce the amount of material that pests can feed on.

You’ll be surprised how many of your household items can be used to help your garden. Aside from those tips, making sure you start from healthy organic soil gives a good foundation for your plants, giving them a better chance at thriving. Pulling out weeds and weak plants are also a good way to maintain your overall garden health. There are many ways to keep your garden healthy without the use of chemical pesticides that can be harmful, all you need is a little bit of research.

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