Some insects, such as true bugs, can be problematic for your garden. True bugs, which also include squash bugs and stink bugs, are pests with piercing-sucking mouthparts that feed on plants. They can also damage crops, causing spotting, desiccation, and pimples. Fortunately, there are few natural ways to limit their population. Pesticides are necessary to control their damaging populations.
Natural pest control
Some common household pests can be easily controlled with natural remedies. Neem oil, for example, can be purchased at Home Depot or other home improvement stores. Using the product as directed can help reduce damage. Also, consider using insecticidal soap or diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is made of silica, a mineral found in the Earth's crust, and acts as a micronized glass that kills soft-bodied insects by penetrating into the joints.
Other beneficial pests in a garden include ladybugs, lacewings, spiders, nematodes, and frogs. Other beneficial insects can include birds and frogs, which can eat insects. A good way to attract them to your garden is to create a habitat for them. When combined with other natural methods, they can be a powerful tool for protecting and benefiting a garden.
Biological control
Biological control is a technique that relies on natural enemies of pests. In a garden, this involves introducing predators and pathogenic nematodes to control pests. These agents can benefit a garden by feeding on the pests and controlling their populations. They are also less harmful to humans, the environment, and water quality. However, using biological controls is not an all-inclusive solution. If you're serious about protecting your garden, consider using a combination of biological and chemical controls to protect your garden.
Biological control has several advantages. The three P's of biological control are predators, parasitoids, and pathogens. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service (OCES) offers detailed descriptions of common natural enemies in their publication E-1023 and Fact Sheet EPP-7307. These primary agents of control include a wide variety of insects, arachnids, and arthropods. The three P's are crucial components of a biological control program.
Plants as natural deterrents
Many plants are used as natural deterrents to combat pests. For example, wormwood, scientifically known as Artemisia absinthium, is an excellent deterrent for cabbage moths and other pests. Plants such as wormwood can also act as a barrier in your garden. If planted near plants like lettuce or cabbage, wormwood will help repel pests. It is also available in ornamental varieties like Silver Brocade wormwood. This plant grows in partial to full sun and is a great choice for garden pest control.
Plants that repel pests include bay leaf, which is a slow-growing perennial. The leaves will naturally deter flies, roaches, and ants. To use these plants as pest deterrents, simply scatter them around areas where pests tend to gather. Other deterrent plants include chives, a member of the allium family, which is an effective repellent for Japanese beetles. Borage, a perennial herb that self-sows during cooler temperatures, is another excellent deterrent.
Spraying with pesticides
Insecticides have been used in gardens for centuries. Unfortunately, many home gardeners have used them in ways that have caused harm to plants and people. It is important to remember that when spraying with pesticides, you are not just killing pests. Instead, you're also poisoning pollinators. Here's how to spray with pesticides safely and effectively. Read on for some tips for protecting and benefiting your garden.
While there are countless benefits to pesticides, there are some risks associated with using them. They can contaminate soil and water, and they are toxic to many organisms, including birds, fish, and beneficial insects. However, if used properly, or by those of a professional Sanford pest control company pesticides can provide satisfactory pest control while posing minimal risks to people or animals. Here are some of the risks associated with spraying with pesticides:
Using neem oil
If you have a garden, you should use neem oil for pest control on a regular basis to keep insects from invading your garden. This plant oil works by killing pests such as spider mites and aphids. It is effective for both prevention and treatment and should be applied every week. This plant oil should be applied to the leaves of the plants it is being applied to.
Unlike other types of insecticides, neem oil will not harm your plants, and in fact, will benefit them. This pesticide works best on soft-bodied insects, and most garden pests are soft-bodied. It is best used when insect larvae are immature, but you can also use it to protect crops and trees from damage and pests.
Using sticky traps
Using sticky traps to protect and benefit your garden can be effective in attracting a wide range of beneficial insects. Many common insects, such as aphids and caterpillars, are non-selective and can be captured using sticky traps. These insects are predatory and attack pests, while many are harmless, such as ladybird beetles and parasitoid wasps. The most common sticky traps are made of Vaseline, but Tanglefoot is a better DIY product for this purpose.
For optimal results, sticky traps should be placed above the canopy of the crops. The traps should be placed at least one foot above the ground, and the netting should be raised and replaced as the plants grow. While the traps are effective at attracting insects, they must be checked frequently and replaced if they catch pests. Reusable sticky traps can be used over again, but counting insects is more labor-intensive.
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