Pick a pest, any pest, and there is very likely a natural control for it. One that won’t poison you, your kids, your pets or the planet. Natural pest control is so much less expensive than buying and applying pesticides, plus it’s safer for your garden, natural wildlife and the environment.
Each year North American gardeners use approximately 136 MILLION pounds of pesticides on lawns and gardens, and in their homes. Homeowners actually use THREE TIMES the amount of pesticides as farmers. Most wildlife pest poisonings and most surface water contamination from pesticides come from single-family homes.
Homemade remedies are a longstanding tradition among organic gardeners, who have had to be creative in finding ways to deal with insects and diseases without the aid of synthetic chemicals.
In the case of fighting aphids, two homemade sprays have proven very effective in controlling aphid infestations. Tomato leaf spray and garlic oil spray have been used to battle aphids for generations.
Tomato Leaf Spray: Tomato plants, as members of the nightshade family, contain toxic compounds called alkaloids in their leaves. When the leaves of tomato plants are chopped, they release their alkaloids. When the alkaloids are suspended and diluted in water, they make a spray that is easy to use, toxic to aphids and safe around other plants and humans. You will need one to two cups of tomato leaves, two cups of water, a strainer and a spray bottle. Soak the chopped leaves of the tomato in the two cups of water overnight. Strain the leaves out of the liquid and put that in your spray bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with water. To use the tomato leaf spray in your battle against aphids, spray the stems and foliage of the infested plant with the spray, paying particular attention the undersides of the leaves where aphids like to congregate. This spray is safe for humans; however if you are allergic to tomatoes or other members of the nightshade family, use a lot of care when using this remedy.
Garlic Oil Spray: Organic gardeners have long relied on garlic as part of their pest-control arsenal. Garlic contains sulfur, which, besides being toxic to pests, is also an antibacterial and antifungal agent. The dish soap in the mixture will break down the bodies of soft-bodied insects, like aphids. You will need four cloves of garlic, mineral oil, a strainer, some Ivory dish soap, water and a spray bottle. Mince or finely chop the garlic and add to that two teaspoons of mineral oil. Let this mixture sit for 24 hours. Pick out the garlic and add the liquid to one pint of water. Add one teaspoon of Ivory soap. This mixture can be stored, diluted and used as needed. Use two tablespoons of the mixture to one pint of water in your spray bottle. First test the mixture by spraying it on an inconspicuous part of the plant to see if the mixture will harm it. If there are no signs of yellowing or leaf damage after a day or two, it is safe to use on that plant. If there is leaf damage, your mixture is too strong and you will need to dilute it more and test it again. If it is determined that it won’t harm your plant, spray the entire plant, paying particular attention to the undersides of the leaves. Garlic oil is a non-selective insecticide, meaning that it will kill beneficial insects as well as the ones you want to get rid of. Only use garlic oil if there are no signs of beneficial insects (lady bugs, lacewings and mantis) in your garden. The tomato leaf recipe will not harm beneficial insects.
For Lawn Or Garden Grubs: There is a natural remedy called milky spore. The granules are spread on the soil and cause the grubs to contract a disease that kills them. This natural control affects only the grubs, leaving the beneficial residents unharmed. Milky spore multiplies over time and will sit inactive, waiting for grubs to infest. One treatment is said to last 40 years!
Mites and Other Insects: Mix two tablespoons of hot pepper sauce (the hotter the better!) or cayenne pepper with a few drops of Ivory soap into a quart of water. Let stand overnight, stir and pour into a spray bottle. Apply as with other organic sprays. Shake the bottle frequently during application.
Earwigs, Slugs and Snails: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth over plants and around the edges of your garden beds. The diatoms particles are very small and sharp, but only harmful to the small exoskeletons of insects, slugs and snails.
Powdery Mildew: Mix equal parts of milk and water and spray on infected plants. Three treatments about a week apart should control the disease.
Insects and Fungal Diseases: Combine one tablespoon of cooking oil, two tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of Ivory soap into a quart of water. Pour into a spray bottle and apply as above.
Good Bugs Vs. Bad Bugs: Releasing large numbers of lady bugs or praying mantis into areas of your garden infested with insect pests is lots of fun and can be a very effective means of controlling aphids, mealy bugs, leaf worms and many other pests. Ladybugs should be released at night near the base of infested plants where they will seek and devour your pests. Praying mantids are voracious predators that will feed on many of the larger pests including grubs, beetles, leafhoppers and caterpillars. These beneficial insects are available for sale and through mail order.
By applying these natural and organic pest control techniques it is possible to stay one step ahead of the pests and be ready for them when they arrive!
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