Eco-friendly Pest Control for a Healthy Garden

A thriving, lush garden is any gardener or homeowner's dream, but using harsh chemical pesticides can come at the cost of damaging the surrounding ecosystem.

Thankfully, there’s several sustainable ways in which you can decrease your pest population for a thriving, eco-friendly garden.

Options for Eco-friendly Pest Control 

Using Eco-Friendly Pest Repellent Scents

Natural insecticides have recently become a popular DIY method for lawn care, both for their cost-effectiveness and environmentally friendly benefits.

Using a natural alternative to harsh, chemical based pesticides ensures that they’re not harmful to your plants and, as they biodegrade, reduces the risk of harmful chemical residue into the environment/ecosystem too. Plus, if they smell good that’s always a bonus. 

Dishwashing Liquid 

You can dilute dishwashing liquid for a gentler, not as potent smell. A good quantity is usually 2 teaspoons of soap per liter of water and put into a spray bottle.

You can alter the dilution according to the plant’s needs. If it's a sensitive plant area, apply less soap. Ensure even coverage on both sides of the plant’s leaves and re-apply every few days. This solution will deter aphids, mealybugs and leafhoppers. 

Garlic Spray

The strong smell acts as a deterrent for many insects. you may find garlic too potent to use but if you don’t mind the savory smell, then it’s a great insect repellent.

Lavender

The smell of lavender can be so potent that it masks the smell of other plants, deterring pests who may be seeking out desirable plants. It targets mosquitoes, flies & moths whilst attracting beneficial insects like butterflies & bees. 

Citronella

The strong lemon smell is popular for its mosquito-repellent properties. A bug-deterring summer staple: you can often find its scent in candles or sprays. 

Growing Pest Repellent Plants

Some flowers & plants do a great job naturally deterring unwanted garden pests, especially ones which are strongly scented. You should aim to plant them next to plants that you want to deter pests from.

Companion planting allows for a thriving ecosystem and a healthier garden. 

Marigolds

Marigolds have a strong scent that deters aphids, whiteflies & nematodes. Their root system also releases a substance that repels pests that reside in the soil underneath the plant. 

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums release pyrethrum, a natural insecticide that repels and kills aphids, Japanese beetles, ticks & nematodes.

Herbs: Mint, Rosemary, Basil

The strong scent of herbs naturally deter ants, mosquitos and flies and are a great addition to your garden. You can use them in your kitchen and they prevent other desirable plants from being damaged by pests. A win-win for both your garden and your dishes! 

Attracting Beneficial Insects

There are some beneficial insects that you want to naturally attract to your garden, as, in line with a natural ecosystem, some bugs are naturally designed to be pest predators. 

For example, ladybugs are a popular, low maintenance solution to an aphid infestation. They can consume up to 5,000 aphids in their lifetime and also prey on other small pests like mealybugs, small caterpillars etc.

By preying on pest insects, ladybugs protect plants from damage caused by feeding and infestation, promoting healthier growth.

You can typically attract more ladybugs to your garden by avoiding chemical pesticide use. They’re sensitive to this and generally avoid areas treated with chemicals.

You should make an environment of dense, cool shrubbery for ladybugs to establish as their habitat and providing a water source will also help them set up camp in your garden.

In general, you should aim to have a thriving, diverse, pollinator-friendly garden and you’ll have ladybugs & other beneficial insects flooding the garden in no time. 

Embrace Eco-Friendly Pest Control

In conclusion, adopting eco-friendly pest management methods not only safeguards your garden and the environment but also fosters a balanced and thriving ecosystem.

By embracing natural alternatives, such as scented repellents, plant choices, and attracting beneficial insects, you can maintain a healthy and vibrant garden while minimizing the use of harmful chemicals.

Let's continue to prioritize eco-friendly pest control practices for a greener and healthier world.