Garden Protection: Techniques for Eco-Friendly Pest Management

Planting a variety of crops can deter pests and decrease the likelihood of infestations, with some plant combinations naturally repelling pests, such as basil near tomatoes to repel flies and mosquitoes.

Bugs and slugs may be unpleasant for some gardeners, but they are often good for the overall health of a garden. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case, and some of these critters are highly undesirable pests.

Here are some ways to keep pests at bay without harming the environment:

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Start with IPM, which focuses on not eliminating all bugs but understanding which ones are harmful and targeting them specifically. IPM uses biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to minimize all health and environmental risks. Following it means using the most environmentally friendly way to deal with the culprits.

Attract the good bugs

Some bugs are bad for the garden, others are good. Furthermore, the latter can keep the former in check. Ladybugs, lacewings, and certain types of wasps eat aphids, mites, and other pests. Plant flowers like marigolds, sunflowers, and daisies to attract these beneficial insects and help the garden.

Physical pest control

The best way to deal with pests is to install physical barriers. Floating row covers are lightweight fabrics that let light and water in but keep bugs out. Copper tape deters slugs and snails. Netting protects fruit trees from birds wanting to snack on the fruits.

Natural remedies

Organic pesticides are the best when taking action is necessary but without the harsh side effects of synthetic chemicals. For example, neem oil, insecticidal soaps, and diatomaceous earth are all natural and gentle means to control pests without harming the positive wildlife within the garden, like beneficial critters or plants.

Keep it clean

A clean garden is a happy garden. Remove excessive dead leaves and debris so pests have fewer places to nest. Rotate crops yearly since not planting the same ones in the same location will prevent soil-borne diseases.

Drip irrigation

Overhead watering could make the garden a breeding ground for fungi and pests. Drip irrigation directly brings water to the plant roots, keeping the leaves dry and less susceptible to disease.

Companion planting

Planting various crops can confuse pests and reduce the chance of an infestation. Moreover, some plant combos can naturally repel pests. For example, basil near tomatoes can repel flies and mosquitoes.

Ask a pro

Work with nature for eco-friendly pest management. For more tips and tricks, talk to a pest control professional. Also, when dealing with an ongoing infestation, it’s usually not a good idea to try DIY-ing pest control. Again, go with the pros. They have the skills and experience to ensure any garden flourishes in an eco-friendly manner.

Kinder Safe Pest Solutions offers 17 years of experience in commercial and residential pest control serving Manatee and Sarasota counties. Call (941)254-2180 today!