How to Fight Garden Pests Naturally

If you're like most gardeners, you might consider insects to be the enemy. So the thought of inviting parasitic wasps and predator mites into your garden or greenhouse might strike you as alarming. But beneficial insects such as these can be a garden's best friend.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• 32-ounce spray/misting bottle
• Liquid dish detergent

1. Before you spend money on beneficial insects, try soapy spray (1 teaspoon of liquid dish detergent added to water in a 32-ounce spray bottle) or misting the affected plants to create the moist environment that many pests avoid. If you can adjust your greenhouse temperature, you may be able to drive away many pests. For example, the whitefly reproduces rapidly in cool temperatures, while aphids reproduce more rapidly in heat.

2. Use your County Extension office. You can find the office listed in the government section of your telephone directory or on the website listed in Resources below. Beneficial insects to fight aphids, mites, mealybugs, scale and whiteflies are among the top sellers at many suppliers. Although some beneficial insects have exclusive tastes, generalists such as the ladybug will feast on a variety of problem pests.

3. Consider the type of release that will work best in your garden or greenhouse. An inundative release brings in high numbers of beneficial insects to wipe out a pest population. An inoculative release is used when pests are in lower numbers. With the latter method, beneficials and pests can keep each other in balance. The Extension office or your supplier can advise you on the best tactic. More information is available in the list of Resources below.

Resources

• Bio-Integral Resource Center
• California Department of Pesticide Regulation
• Gardens Alive
• Nature's Control
• Worm's Way
• To find your local extension office
• Gardening Zone

[ReginaTay]

on 8/18/2008 Great Info! I am constantly looking for natural alternative! I also use neem products - a natural plants that most insects hate!

[JasneJ]

on 7/22/2008 Good bug info. Try Safer soap insecticidal soap-available in most garden centers.Some liquid detergents have added ingredients that can smother/burn the leaf when applied.