Lemon Juice for Garden Pests

Lemon juice provides a natural barrier, keeping ants away.

For many gardeners, the idea of using chemical-laden pesticides is not appealing, especially when growing fruits and vegetables for family consumption. Several organic options are helpful for keeping bugs out of the garden.

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated pest management, or IPM, is the process of incorporating green pest-control practices into gardening, according to exterminator Rick Steinau of the Ask the Exterminator website.

Ant Damage

Ants, especially fire ants, feed upon some vegetable plants such as okra and potatoes, according to the MSUcares website of the Mississippi State University. Additionally, fire ants can bite and sting gardeners.

Lemon for IPM

Lemon juice effectively keeps ants away from the garden, while fitting easily into integrated pest management. Soak strings in the lemon juice and place them around the perimeter of the gardens, ants will not cross the lemon juice barrier.

References

• EarthEasy.com: Natural Insect Pest Control
• Ask The Exterminator: Organic Pest Control
• Mississippi State University: MSUCares.com: Fire Ants in Mississippi