Yard Smarts
Organic pest control
It’s easier than you may think to manage pests while minimizing the harm to pollinators, birds and the backyard wildlife you enjoy.
Start by picking plants that suit your growing conditions, indoors and out, and keep them in good shape to reduce the risk of unwanted attacks. When you first notice a potential problem, decide if control is needed. Only a small percentage of insects actually harm plants; the majority help you grow beautiful and productive gardens.
When harmful bugs bombard plants, consider waiting for predators and birds to step in and take control. Green lacewings, lady beetles, parasitic wasps and mantids like praying mantis are just a few of the insects that eat troublesome pests.
Outdoor Fixes
If you need to intervene, select the option that is most eco-friendly. Use a strong blast of water on outdoor plants to dislodge aphids and mites and keep small populations under control. If you need to take pest control a step further, horticultural oils like Summit Yearround Spray Oil and insecticidal soaps are superb organic choices. Bacteria- or plant-based insecticides like neem
and spinosad are also safe alternatives for your backyard. Just be sure to read and follow label directions when using any chemical to avoid harming your plants or the environment.
Physical barriers are also effective. Shield your plants with floating row covers to prevent pests like cabbage worms, root maggots and Japanese beetles from dining on susceptible plants. Make sure to only cover those that don’t require bees, butterflies or other insects for pollination.
Use traps to monitor and manage some pests, but avoid Japanese beetle traps—they will attract more of these unwanted visitors to your garden.
Healthier Houseplants
Always look for natural alternatives to keep you, your family and pets safe when getting rid of pesky insects on indoor plants.
If you spot a pest, start your treatment with a quick shower. Wrap the pot in a garbage bag to avoid washing potting mix down the drain and give the plants a quick
rinse. Follow with organic insecticides as needed.
For fighting whiteflies, enlist yellow sticky traps. They reduce populations to a level plants tolerate. And, for fungus gnats, consider sprinkling bits of Mosquito Dunks on the soil surface and water them in.
As you make the switch to organic pest control you’ll find an abundance of winged wildlife in your garden. And you can have peace of mind knowing your family and pets aren’t exposed to harmful chemicals.