Natural Garden Insecticide
updated: May 13, 2010
Flower garden
Gardeners may prefer to use natural insecticides to reduce the environmental impact of their garden or because they are concerned with the health risks of eating food that has been exposed to chemical insecticides. Understanding the types of insects that may attack the garden, what types of environment they prefer and any natural predators they may have can help. Certain plants may act as insect deterrents, some insects will consume the undesirable bugs, and nontoxic insecticides are all alternatives to chemical pesticides.
- Seaweed mulch can be used to add nutrients to the soil while reducing or eliminating slugs. Adding diatomaceous earth to the mulch around the plants can control slugs and ground crawling insects. This substance absorbs the wax coating off of many insects so they dehydrate in the sun. Mulch will also reduce weeds that may attract insects that use them for food.
- Some types of plants or herbs will ward off specific types of insects. Intermixing plants to help with production, health or pest deterrent is known as companion planting. Determining what insects need to be eliminated will help in choosing plants that target those insects and grow well in the local environment. Examples are basil to eliminate flies and mosquitoes; catnip to reduce ants, aphids and cockroaches; or garlic to control aphids, Japanese beetles and spider mites. Consult a companion planting or insect repelling plant guide for a complete list.
- Companion planting can also be used to attract beneficial insects. Ladybugs and lacewings are examples of predatory insects that will eat pests such as aphids. Create a small section of garden with plants that attract the desired insects. Flowers such as lupine and tansy will attract ladybugs, lacewings and hoverflies. These in turn will eat aphids and other undesirable bugs. Other beneficial insects that can be attracted with flowers and plants include honeybees for pollination; assassin bugs for caterpillars and flies; tiger beetles as a general predator. Consult a complete insect guide for additional information specific to local environments.
- An alternative to companion planting to attract specific insects is to purchase the insect eggs directly from a local garden store or online. Praying mantis eggs can be purchased and placed in the garden where they will hatch and begin eating other insects. Nematodes are another beneficial insect commonly purchased. These eggs are distributed on small sponges, as they are microscopic in size. The sponge is mixed with water and the water then sprayed on the soil in the garden. Nematodes are effective against cutworms, beetles and root weevils.
- Home made or purchased insecticides made from natural ingredients can be used effectively alone or in conjunction with other insect repellent measures. Common household items such as liquid dish soap and canola can be mixed with water to make an insecticide to spray directly onto the plants. This specific mixture affects soft-bodied insects such as mites and mealybugs. The soap helps the mixture stick to the plant. Use a solution of hot pepper sauce, liquid soap and water to deter mites and other insects. Use caution with natural insecticides, as they will kill the beneficial insects as well as the pests. A mixture of ingredients such as crushed garlic, onion, hot pepper and ground cloves can be incorporated into compost used in the garden for additional pest deterrent.
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