Pests have a damaging effect on property, crops and personal items. They may bite or sting (like fleas, ants and bed bugs). They stain or contaminate food and water (like rats, mice and woodpeckers).
Identification is the first step in pest control. It allows you to know what kind of problem you have and develop the most effective management strategy. Click the https://killianpestcontrol.com/ to learn more.
A few insects and critters in the garden can be annoying, but they needn’t be a threat to your healthy plants. There are many simple ways to keep pests away from your flowers, vegetables and other crops without resorting to chemical sprays.
The first step in natural pest control is to identify the problem. This will help you to determine which type of pest is invading, as different types of pests respond differently to various treatments. It is also important to determine how bad the problem really is, as plants can suffer from stress for a number of reasons and may not be in actual danger of dying or being eaten.
Many natural remedies are effective against specific pests. For example, chrysanthemum flowers contain the active ingredient pyrethrum, which is an excellent repellent against aphids, thrips and mites. Chrysanthemum flowers can be purchased dried and ground into a powder at most garden stores or you can grow them yourself to use in your gardens. This natural insecticide also works against certain caterpillars (such as the cabbageworm, tent caterpillar and corn earworm) by attacking their digestive system.
Other natural pest control options include garlic, cayenne pepper and a variety of citrus fruits. Garlic and cayenne pepper can be used to make an all-natural spray that repels aphids, beetles and cockroaches. Mix equal parts of pureed garlic and onion with a teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder and a small amount of mild liquid soap, and then add it to water. The combination will create a very strong smell that most pests find unpleasant. To use the mixture, simply spray it around doorways and windows and other potential nesting areas.
Essential oil mixtures also work well for a number of different pests, as their scents are extremely unpleasant to most bugs. Neem oil is a particularly effective treatment for mosquitoes and other flying insects, as it contains a compound that acts like a natural pesticide. To use it, dilute 10ml of neem oil per litre of warm water and then transfer it to a spray bottle. You can spray it around doors, windows and other bug-prone areas in your home to effectively repel unwanted flies and mosquitoes.
Coffee Grounds
Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are the residues that are left after brewing and preparation of coffee beverages in homes and businesses. In addition to being a great natural pest control method, spent coffee grounds also help improve soil quality, increase flowering plants and repel mosquitoes.
SCG contain reasonable amounts of nitrogen and other nutrients, which make them an excellent soil amendment when mixed with compost. They are also highly absorbent and help to improve soil texture, which will make it easier for plants to grow and stay hydrated. When used as a mulch, SCG can help prevent water from evaporating from the soil around plants, and will keep it cooler in the summer.
Mosquitoes are repulsed by the strong scent of SCG, which helps to keep them away from your garden and yard. You can use SCG fresh or burn them to create a stronger smell, but both work equally well. If you do decide to burn your SCG, be sure to extinguish them completely when they are done burning.
In addition to using SCG as a natural bug deterrent, you can sprinkle them on or around your plants as a way to promote growth and health. They can also be effective when used as a barrier against slugs and snails. When sprinkling SCG, make sure to avoid creating a thick layer that will block the flow of moisture into the soil.
Aside from their natural insect-repelling properties, SCG also make an excellent fertilizer. They contain a substantial amount of nitrogen, which helps to nourish and encourage lush leafy growth for plants. Adding SCG to the soil can help lower its acidity, and they will break down to provide a slow, steady supply of nitrogen throughout the growing season.
SCG can be added to the soil of indoor and outdoor plants, as well as to compost. However, it is important to note that they are not as effective as using a traditional organic fertilizer, because they take longer to break down and release their nitrogen. SCG should be added to the soil in early spring or near the end of the gardening season, and it is best to combine them with other forms of fertilizer when possible.
Hot Water
A spray of hot water can kill or deter a variety of unwanted pests such as flies, ants and mosquitoes. Add a drop or two of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to the mix for even more effective results. The scents irritate the pests and cause them to avoid the area.
Neem oil, a natural insecticide derived from the neem tree, is another all-natural option for controlling pests. This product is easy to use, as it only requires 2 additional ingredients–water and liquid soap. The soap acts as an emulsifying agent, which allows the neem oil to easily mix with the water. Combine the water and soap in a spray bottle and shake vigorously before each use. Then, spray plants until saturated and reapply as needed. When using neem oil, it is best to apply in the cooler part of the day so that it does not burn the plants.
Hot water can also be used to wash away nematodes in bulbs and herbaceous perennials. This is a good method for preventing disease and reducing the need for chemical controls. Similarly, the hot water treatment can help to prevent diseases such as white rust in brassicas and eelworm in chrysanthemums. The best way to control plant disease is through good garden management, including crop rotations, adequate spacing, the use of green manures (like comfrey and wormeries) and organic fertilisers.
Many garden pests are a result of the wrong conditions, not the plants themselves. So, in addition to avoiding chemical controls, grow vegetables that have a history of success in your climate and soil type, or adapt your garden design to make it more suitable for the plants you want to grow.
Clearing up debris, such as fallen leaves and branches, can help to keep pests out of the garden. The use of natural mulches like comfrey and horn shavings is also a great idea. In addition, planting species that attract beneficial insects and predatory wasps is important, as these organisms can help to control pests naturally. Finally, providing food for these organisms by planting species that are attractive to them can encourage them to stay in your garden and protect it from pests.
Natural Deterrents
There are many different natural deterrents that can help keep pests away from your home and garden without the use of any harmful chemicals. This includes everything from essential oils to homemade traps. The key is to classify the pest you are dealing with and find solutions that are specific to them. For example, certain treatments repel mosquitoes while others are effective against fruit flies.
Garlic is another simple yet effective natural pest control solution as the strong odor helps to keep a variety of insects away. You can crush or mince garlic and spread it around your garden or sprinkle it in areas where you are seeing pests. It can also be used as an organic fertilizer and adds nutrients to soil while helping plants grow healthier.
Coffee grounds are another great natural pest control option as the acidic properties act as a deterrent to many bugs and can be used indoors or outdoors. You can mix the grounds into your soil to provide extra nourishment for your garden while keeping pests at bay or simply sprinkle them around entryways and windows to prevent them from getting inside.
Many types of citrus fruits can act as an effective natural pest control agent due to the strong smell and acidic content they contain. You can create your own citrus based spray by mixing equal parts water and the juice of any citrus fruit in a spray bottle and applying it to surfaces where pests are a problem.
Baking soda can also be a very effective natural pest control agent as it disrupts the pH balance of insects making it difficult for them to thrive in your environment. You can make your own baking soda spray by dissolving one aspirin tablet in a cup of warm water and transferring it into a spray bottle for usage. You can also use this in your kitchen by spraying it around any potential nesting sites to keep spiders, ants and flies away.
Regular cleaning and decluttering can also be an effective natural pest control method as it makes it more difficult for insects to find food and shelter in your home. Be sure to wash produce, wipe down counter tops and sweep up crumbs as well as sealing any cracks and crevices where bugs may hide. In addition, adding cedar wood to your living spaces can act as a natural spider repellent and help keep these unwanted visitors at bay.
