Natural Pest Control Methods

There are numerous methods to control garden & home pest that include both chemical or organic means. It is always better to use organic / natural methods when possible, and practical. Below are some alternative methods to control pest naturally:

* Dish Soap / Liquid Soap: Liquid soap is used often in natural pest controls to combat a variety of pest. Diluted dish soap is a good way to control aphids as well.

* Alkaloids: This is derived from the leaves of tomato, potato, or tobacco plants. It is process by chopping up the leaves, soaking them for a day, then draining off the resulting tea. This controls aphids and is said to attract beneficial insects.

* Diatomaceous Earth: This is a white powder that is derived from crushed fossilized remains of single cell marine organisms known as diatoms. The powder resulting from crushing is very fine and very sharp. It is used to battle a variety of pest including ants and slugs and works because it injures any soft bodied insect trying to cross over.

* Sticky Traps: These are cards that are coated with an organic substance that attracts pests. Once the pest steps or lands on the sticky pads they are caught for later disposal.

* Neem Oil: Thisis juice derived from pressing the seeds of the Azadirachta Indica Tree. It can be used as a fungicide, pesticide, and miticide.

* Garlic: To use garlic as a pesticide, chop, crush, and soak in oil. Then add a little liquid dish saop and spray on your plants to control a variety of insects.

* Pyrethrins: This is a natural derivative of a species of the Chrysanthemum flower. Pyrethrins are safe to use on edible crops because it controls pest and breaks down and disappears when exposed to oxygen and sunlight.

There are many other natural and organic methods in addition to the above. The important thing to remember is that there are choices when controlling pest other than chemicals.