Are you looking for a way to rid your garden of pesky pests, but also want to avoid using toxic chemicals? Imagine a world where you can take a greener approach to pesticides, some of which you can create with unused materials you already have lying around your home. The secrets to harnessing the power of homemade pesticide alternatives are about to be at your fingertips!
No longer is the only solution to warding off unwanted critters commercial pesticides with harmful ingredients. In today’s world, there are plenty of natural alternatives that preserve the health of both plants and the environment. Join us as we embark on creating an effective, budget-friendly arsenal to battle unwelcome invaders.
The first class of methods involves physical barriers. To maximise their effectiveness, the ideal time to net a garden bed is just after pollination, so pollen transfer can happen with minimal damage to the foliage. Netting garden beds with fine insect control netting is an effective way to allow the crop to grow naturally while also protecting it from pests. The net must be applied to completely cover the plant with the edges securely pinned to the ground. Another physical barrier method involves sprinkling crushed eggshell powder around the base of the plant. To create this imitation diatomaceous earth, clean out eggs after use, dry them, and then grind the eggshells. This powder imitates glass to scratch slugs, snails, and cutworms. Placing coffee grounds around a plant also discourages slugs and snails via a natural barrier, while simultaneously fertilising the plant with beneficial minerals.
Secondly, we can strategise which plant species are in our garden because certain plants act as natural pest repellents. For example, marigolds keep away aphids and kill nematodes that feed on roots by emitting limonene. Lavender, a flowering plant that attracts pollinators, repels fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and moths because of its production of the natural oils linalool and geraniol. Similarly, common herbs, like basil and chives, release other natural oils that ward off unwanted insects.
Thirdly, in instances where there is a particularly troublesome pest, species-specific targeting methods can be used. In the case of cabbage moths, females lay their eggs under leaves for the newly hatched larvae to tunnel into stems. Since cabbage moths are territorial and won’t lay eggs where other moths are, we can create a decoy moth using white weatherproof material, permanent black marker, string, and twigs to mount them. For larger pests, fake predators, like owls, can be used to scare off small mammals and other birds. Some of these designs include multiple deterrent features involving sounds, movement, and light.
Lastly, mixing household ingredients can be used to create a bug-battling concoction. Mixing vegetable oil, garlic, chilli, castile soap, and/or water will create a mixture deadly to some pests, but a blend that is safe for humans. You can apply this mixture to the surface of plants to coat aphids, mites, and beetles. Essential oil mixtures also have various targeted purposes. Neem oil is beneficial for ladybugs, bees, and butterflies, while also working to fight off pests and fungi. Abundant in Australia, eucalyptus oil keeps gnats and spiders away. Acting as both a pleasant and fresh aroma to humans, peppermint oil repels aphids and flies.
Disclaimer: It’s critical to remember that not all pests can be adequately controlled through at-home remedies. In some cases, it may be best to consult professional pest control services.
Author: Vanessa Pratt