Understanding Pest Control
What is pest control, exactly? Many people think that pest control is limited to the services offered by pest control companies, but by definition, pest control is the process of managing and preventing pests. Some people need it for agriculture, while others need pest control in order to prevent damage to their homes. Luckily, finding ways to control pests is simple.
The Importance of Beneficial Insects in Pest Control
There are several types of insects that are actually helpful in controlling pest populations. Butterflies and ladybugs are often introduced to help keep gardens and plants healthy and prevent some common pests from hanging around your home.
So why would you introduce pests in order to keep others away? This is especially important for organic gardens because you can avoid using too many pesticides around the food you might be growing. Having a vegetable garden is great, but it can be hard to maintain since it tends to attract pests like aphids that ladybugs will take care of for you.
Organic gardening is great when possible, but in the event of pest infestations, you may need to consider working with a professional pest control company to keep your garden (and your home) protected from the threat of pests.
Why Organic Pest Control Matters for Affected Plants
Organic pest control methods are a natural and simple alternative to conventional gardening methods that involve the use of store-bought chemicals that don't typically work against aggressive pests.
Without professional insight, taking a natural approach to pest control can help keep your plant leaves and produce healthy and growing without exposure to uncontrolled amounts of chemicals. When you need stronger solutions for your garden, simply consult the experts. We have specialized treatments that keep you and your home at the forefront, ensuring that we place treatments strategically for your benefit.
Is Homemade Insecticide Effective?
The question is whether natural insecticide can actually help reduce pest populations in and around your home. The answer is, yes, natural forms of pest control can provide the necessary reinforcements needed to keep pests at bay.
However, natural forms of pest control won't be enough to control infestations and treat pests all year long. The best way to deter bugs is to begin first with professional pest control. This will allow you to gain control over the pests, kill bugs when needed, and ultimately keep your home protected.
Once you've got the large pest populations under control, you can begin making your own insect repellents to maintain your professional pest control services.
General Approaches to Organic Pest Control
Hand Picking Garden Pests
Natural pest control can range from simple and broad measures, all the way to detailed, nitty-gritty methods. Hand picking garden pests is one of those nitty-gritty solutions that will certainly work to rid your property of pests, but it's not the most efficient way to handle pests, especially when there's an infestation on your hands.
Eco-Friendly Pest Control Solutions
1. Neem Oil
How Neem Oil Works
Neem oil is a natural pest control method that repels and suppresses insect infestations.
Mix 100% cold-pressed neem oil with water carefully to avoid burning plants.
Spray around plants and your home to keep pests away.
Benefits of Using Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural, non-toxic pest control method.
It's effective against a wide range of insect pests, including flea beetles and squash bugs.
There are other common essential oilsthat can be used the same way to deter pests in and around your home.
2. Diatomaceous Earth
How Diatomaceous Earth Works
DE is a natural, non-toxic pest control method that kills hard-shelled insects.
Use DE to control flea beetles, squash bugs, and Japanese beetles.
Add to your soils, or mix with water and spray on the undersides of leaves.
Benefits of Using Diatomaceous Earth
DE is a safe and effective pest control method.
It's also a natural fertilizer and can improve soil structure.
3. Soap-Based Pesticides
How Soap-Based Pesticides Work
Soap-based pesticides are a gentle approach to organic pest control.
Mix mild liquid soap with water to create a homemade insecticidal spray.
Spray around your home, property, and plants to keep pests away.
Benefits of Using Soap-Based Pesticides
Mild Soap-based pesticides are a natural and effective way to control soft-bodied insects.
They're also gentle on plants and the environment.
4. Garlic Repellent Spray
How Garlic Repellent Spray Works
Garlic repellent spray is a natural deterrent for garden pests.
Mix garlic with water and let it sit overnight to create a repellent spray.
Spray around areas with pests in and outside your home.
Benefits of Using Garlic Repellent Spray
Garlic repellent spray is a natural and non-toxic pest control method.
It's also effective against a wide range of insect pests, including aphids and cabbage worms.
5. Hot Pepper Repellent Spray
How Hot Pepper Repellent Spray Works
Hot pepper repellent spray is a spicy solution for pest control.
Mix hot peppers with water and let it sit overnight to create a repellent spray.
This can be sprayed inside and outside to prevent and treat garden pests.
Benefits of Using Hot Pepper Repellent Spray
Hot pepper repellent spray is a natural and non-toxic pest control method.
It's also effective against a wide range of insect pests, including aphids and whiteflies.
Best Practices for Organic Pest Control
Timing and Application Tips for Effective Pest Control
If you choose to take the natural pest control route, there are some simple ways to ensure its effectiveness:
Apply pest control methods in the late afternoon or early evening to protect your plants. This can kill insects without killing your plants.
Reapply pest control methods after rain or overhead watering to maintain effectiveness. Rain can wash away your repellents off of organic matter, so adding a second coat will help reinforce your efforts.
Spot treat only areas where pest infestations are present to avoid harming beneficial insects. Using essential oils or soapy water can help you apply some pest pressure without harming the insects that might help you control other pests.
