A Sustainable Approach to Pest Control
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
To spray or not to spray. This is something I was recently discussing with my mother. We live in New York and are dealing with the invasive Spotted Lantern Fly. It was first discovered in the US in Pennsylvania in 2014. Now it is plaguing the Hudson Valley.
The Spotted Lanternfly harms fruit trees by feeding on their sap, excreting honeydew that promotes mold growth. This mold affects photosynthesis, weakens the tree, and makes it prone to diseases. The overall impact includes reduced fruit yield, stunted growth, and potential tree death.
She was distraught over the only shade tree she had left on her property-her apple tree. Although I understood her dilemma, I felt it was only right to let her know about the repercussions of using pesticides in the garden. Any gardener faced with a situation like this may be tempted to resort to spraying commercial pesticides, but you should know what you would be sacrificing before you reach for that bottle, and that there is another way.
The indiscriminate nature of pesticides, their residue buildup, and the potential harm to both pests and beneficial insects can disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem in your garden.
In this article we will explore sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional pest management by way of working with nature instead of against it. We will also go over the problems with using chemical pesticides, and give several alternative methods to avoid harsh chemicals when spraying anything in your garden.
Creating a Welcoming Environment for Beneficial Insects:
Encouraging beneficial insects to set up camp in your garden can be a game changer. They will do their part to keep pests at a manageable level, preventing infestations in the first place.
Shelter
Build or purchase insect hotels, also known as bug houses or bee hotels. These structures consist of various materials such as bamboo, wood, and hollow stems, providing nesting sites for solitary bees, ladybugs, and other beneficial insects.
Create a simple pile of sticks, twigs, and other plant debris in a quiet corner of your garden. This natural arrangement offers hiding spots and shelter for ground-dwelling insects, spiders, and beetles.
Arrange rocks or stones in small piles to create crevices and hiding places for insects. These rock piles can attract spiders, beetles, and ground-dwelling beneficial insects seeking shelter.
Use organic mulch and allow a layer of leaf litter to accumulate in certain areas. This provides a comfortable environment for insects like ground beetles and spiders, offering protection and places to lay eggs.
Designate some areas of your garden as undisturbed zones. Avoid frequent tilling or disturbance to provide a stable environment for insects to establish nests, lay eggs, and seek refuge.
Water
Shallow dishes are preferred by insects. Consider placing rocks or a piece of wood in them to prevent drowning.
Position shallow dishes, saucers, or trays filled with water in your garden. These act as water sources for beneficial insects, especially important for species that require water for reproduction.
Ensure there are areas with moist soil in your garden. Some insects, especially ground beetles and spiders, prefer damp conditions. Moist soil patches can attract and support a variety of beneficial insects.
Position water sources near plantings and habitats where beneficial insects are likely to frequent. This makes it convenient for them to access water for hydration and reproduction.
Food Sources
Herbs and native plants, well-adapted to the local ecosystem, are good choices to add to an insect-friendly garden. Providing various food sources makes it more likely you will satisfy the cravings of numerous beneficial insects, as well as other helpful predators like birds.
Related Article: CREATING A YEAR-ROUND SANCTUARY FOR FEATHERED FRIENDS
Here are some examples of herbs and native plants along with what they have to offer beneficial insects:
Herbs:
Basil (Ocimum basilicum): This aromatic herb attracts bees and other pollinators. It can be planted near tomatoes to enhance their flavor and deter certain pests.
Mint (Mentha spp.): Mint is known for its strong fragrance, which can help deter pests. It attracts hoverflies and predatory wasps.
Dill (Anethum graveolens): Dill attracts beneficial insects such as parasitoid wasps, which prey on various garden pests.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Known for its fragrant blooms, lavender attracts bees and other pollinators. Its scent may also help repel certain pests.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Rosemary's aromatic foliage can deter pests, and its flowers attract pollinators like bees.
Thyme (Thymus spp.): Thyme is a low-growing herb that can attract bees and predatory insects. It's a useful ground cover in the garden.
Native (to the US) Plants:
Lavender
Purple Coneflower
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A native perennial that attracts bees and butterflies. It provides nectar and pollen for a variety of beneficial insects. The seed heads attract a variety of birds which contribute to pest control.
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): Goldenrod attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. It's a valuable late-season food source for beneficial insects.
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.): Essential for monarch butterflies, milkweed also attracts other pollinators and beneficial insects.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow attracts predatory wasps and ladybugs. It’s also known for its deep and fibrous root system, which helps improve soil structure. The roots break up compacted soil, allowing for better water infiltration and root penetration by other plants.
Companion Planting Strategies:
You can also do a lot of good in your garden by strategically planting certain things together, known as companion planting. Here are some examples of how it works:
Aromatic Herbs (e.g., Basil and Mint) among Crops:
Planting aromatic herbs like basil and mint among crops can help deter pests due to the strong fragrance emitted by these herbs.
Example: Basil planted among tomatoes can enhance their flavor and discourage certain pests.
Trap Cropping to Divert Pests:
Trap cropping involves planting specific crops that attract pests away from the main crop, serving as a sacrificial option.
Example: Growing Brussel sprouts as a trap crop to divert pests from grapes.
Interplanting for a More Complex Environment:
Interplanting involves mixing different plant species in close proximity, creating a diverse and complex environment.
Example: Planting a variety of flowers, herbs, and vegetables together to create a multifaceted garden ecosystem.
Related Article: A LOOK INTO SUSTAINABLE GARDENING PRACTICES
Brussel Sprouts serve as a trap crop for aphids.
Specific Garden Pests and Corresponding Beneficial Insects:
Ladybugs consume various pests.
Ladybugs prey on aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, mites, whiteflies, and spider mites.
Lacewings go after on aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, thrips, and mites.
Hoverflies feed on aphids, thrips, scale insects, mealybugs, and small caterpillars.
Parasitic and Parasitoid wasps lay eggs in or on aphids, caterpillars, whiteflies, beetle larvae, spider eggs, and stink bugs, leading to their eventual death.
Tachinid flies feast on caterpillars beetles, stink bugs, leafhoppers, sawflies, and grasshoppers.
Spiders, praying mantises, parasitic wasps, entomopathogenic fungi, and predatory beetles, contribute to the control of the spotted lanternfly mentioned previously, among other pests.
Maintaining Ecological Balance:
The beauty of these relationships lies in their ability to self-regulate. Beneficial insects adapt to the changing dynamics of the garden, ensuring a consistent form of pest control. This adaptability creates a more stable and harmonious ecosystem over time, promoting resilience and reducing the likelihood of pest resurgence. It's a natural approach that prevents pest outbreaks from spiraling out of control, minimizing the reliance on chemical pesticides and fostering a healthier and more resilient garden ecosystem.
Now lets discuss some of the problems associated with the use of chemical pesticides.
Drawbacks of Chemical Pesticides and Their Environmental Impact:
Monarch Butterfly populations are on the decline largely due to the spraying of pesticides.
Non-Target Effects: Chemical pesticides can harm not only the targeted pests but also non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife. This disruption can lead to imbalances in ecosystems.
Soil and Water Contamination: Pesticides can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater. Runoff from treated areas can also carry pesticides into nearby water bodies, impacting aquatic ecosystems.
Resistance and Resurgence:
Pesticide Resistance: Pests can develop resistance to pesticides over time, rendering these chemicals less effective. This can lead to the need for higher concentrations or different types of pesticides.
Pest Resurgence: Eliminating certain pests with pesticides can create a vacuum, allowing other pests to thrive without natural predators, leading to resurgence issues.
Health Concerns:
Human Health Risks: Pesticide exposure can pose health risks to gardeners and nearby residents. Chronic exposure has been linked to various health issues, including respiratory problems and certain cancers.
Environmental Persistence:
Residue Buildup: Chemical residues from pesticides can persist in the environment, affecting crops, water, and wildlife long after application. This can lead to cumulative effects over time.
Disruption of Natural Predators:
Harm to Beneficial Insects: Pesticides can harm or kill beneficial insects. This disruption can impact the overall health of ecosystems.
Loss of Biodiversity:
Impact on Non-Target Species: Pesticides can contribute to the decline of non-target species, including beneficial insects, birds, and amphibians, leading to a loss of biodiversity.
Alternatives to Harsh Chemicals:
DIY Sprays:
Homemade pest control sprays are an economical and effective way to keep your garden pest-free without resorting to harmful chemicals.
A simple solution of water and a few squirts of dish soap can deter a variety of pests, including aphids and spider mites.
Garlic and neem oil are also popular choices for creating DIY sprays that act as potent insect repellents.
These DIY sprays work by disrupting the feeding and reproductive cycles of pests, making it difficult for them to establish a thriving population in your garden. Unlike synthetic pesticides, these concoctions are safe for your plants, your family, and the environment. The key is to regularly apply the spray, especially after rain or watering, to ensure its continued effectiveness.
Try these easy DIY solutions when you feel it is necessary to spray:
DIY SOAP SPRAY FOR SOFT-BODIED INSECTS:
Effective Against: Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites.
Ingredients:
1-2 teaspoons mild liquid soap (such as castile soap)
1 quart (approximately 1 liter) water
NEEM OIL SOLUTION FOR INSECT CONTROL:
Effective Against: Aphids, whiteflies, caterpillars.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons neem oil
1-2 teaspoons mild liquid soap or detergent
1 quart (approximately 1 liter) water
GARLIC AND PEPPER SPRAY:
Effective Against: Aphids, spider mites, larger insects.
Ingredients:
10 garlic cloves
3-4 hot peppers (jalapeños or cayenne)
1 quart (approximately 1 liter) water
Application: Thoroughly coat affected plants, ensuring coverage on the undersides of leaves where soft-bodied insects often reside. Avoid using harsh soaps or excessive concentrations to prevent harm to plants. Apply the soap spray regularly, especially after rainfall or watering, for consistent pest control.
Use caution to avoid spraying the neem oil solution in direct sunlight, as neem oil may cause leaf burn under intense sunlight.
Safety Reminder: Use natural and organic ingredients for an eco-friendly approach. Test the solution on a small portion of a plant before widespread application.
Use any spray sparingly, as even a mild spray can harm beneficial insects, as well as limit their food sources. You want to have some pests in your garden to feed the beneficials so they keep coming back!
PHYSICAL BARRIERS:
By using barriers, gardeners can create protective measures that deter pests without resorting to chemical solutions. Here are two effective methods:
Row Covers for Protection Against Flying Insects:
Row covers are lightweight, breathable fabrics or mesh materials that can be draped over rows of plants to create a physical barrier against flying insects. These covers act as shields, preventing pests such as aphids, cabbage moths, and beetles from reaching and infesting vulnerable crops. The covers allow sunlight, air, and water to reach the plants while forming a protective shield against airborne pests.
Install row covers over rows of susceptible crops early in the growing season or when pests are known to be active. Secure the covers with stakes or weights to ensure they remain in place.
While some people have success using tulle from the fabric store, I recommend you invest in a UV resistant netting designed for this purpose like this one. It holds up much longer, as it is more durable.
Beer Traps for Slugs and Snails:
Slugs and snails can be notorious garden pests, causing extensive damage to young seedlings and delicate plants. Beer traps are a simple yet effective method for luring and trapping these mollusks. The idea is to bury containers, such as shallow dishes or cups, in the soil near vulnerable plants and fill them with beer. The scent of the beer attracts slugs and snails, causing them to crawl in and drown.
Dig holes in the soil near affected plants, ensuring that the rims of the containers are level with the ground. Fill the containers with beer, preferably a stale or inexpensive variety. Check the traps regularly, emptying and refilling them as needed.
Encouraging a Holistic Approach to Pest Management:
By avoiding pesticides, creating a hospitable environment for beneficial insects by way of providing places to live, water, and a variety of food sources, the garden can function without much effort from us. It can be a self-sustaining ecosystem that is a pleasure to observe in action.
So put out some water for those wasps. Leave the spiderwebs outside your home to serve their purpose. Don’t sweat the aphids on your grapes. Drape some netting on your cabbage. When you apply the practices above you will notice more balance each year in your garden. Be patient. It will come in time.
I hope this article encourages you to consider sticking to a natural approach to deal with pests. With some careful thought and planning, your garden can be a haven for humans and insects alike.
Happy gardening!
