I understand how annoying it can be to have pests take up residence inside our very own property. Not only do they put a damper on the joy and serenity we get from our houses and garden, but they also make our living space a bit messier than it actually is.
To put an end to those pesky critters within your property, without harming your pets, family, and the environment, opting for a natural control method is important. That said, let us explore the best natural insect pest control methods you can use.
Natural Pest Control Solutions
Since there’s more than just one type of insect, a particular pest control solution might not necessarily work for all pests. Hence, it’s a good idea to use a combination of either two or more of these solutions to get rid of pests for good. They’re as follows:
Diatomaceous Earth
As one of the most popular options for natural pest control, Diatomaceous Earth (DE for short) is a powder which is made of the remains of diatoms. DE is proven to be safe for use on both humans and animals. This means that you don’t have to worry about any harmful effects it might induce in your household when using it for pest control.
Particularly, DE is effective for dealing with fleas, roaches, ants, and other crawling bugs and insects. The only thing you should keep in mind is to avoid inhaling it as it can irritate your lungs.
To use DE for pest control, you simply have to sprinkle it on areas where you notice a pest infestation. Additionally, you can apply it on crevices where bugs and pests are more likely to hide or on newly hatched larvae to prevent them from hatching.
Garlic
If you think the use of garlic is limited to just the kitchen, then you’d be in for a surprise. Due to its pungent aroma, it can act as a natural and effective repellent to various insects, mosquitoes in particular. Aside from that, it also works as an effective deterrent to Colorado potato beetles.
To use, you just have to grind a few cloves of garlic with water to make a spray. After that, simply spray it on areas where insects tend to frequent. Alternatively, you can apply it on your skin to offer protection against fleas, flies, and mosquitoes.
Neem Oil
The oil which is extracted from the neem tree seeds can also be used as a powerful and effective insecticide. Since it’s capable of eliminating various insects at all stages, including spider mites, it’s considered a great and natural pest control solution for gardeners. Apart from that, it only has a number of amazing benefits for growing plants.
That said, if you have a garden full of plants, then you can surely benefit from the pest control benefits that neem oil can give you. Besides its effectiveness, it’s also safe, non-toxic, and biodegradable, making it a perfect choice for getting rid of pests without harming the environment and your household.
Peppermint
If your garden or ceiling is plagued by spiders and cobwebs, then you’d want to opt for a peppermint spray. In particular, peppermint is highly effective in dealing with spiders. This is due to the chemical compounds which are found in peppermint namely alcohol, terpene, and menthol which are all-natural fumigants. Additionally, according to a PubMed article, menthol is highly effective in repelling mosquitoes.
To use, you just have to mix a small amount of peppermint oil with water. After that, simply spray the solution to cobwebs and other areas with a pest infestation. Apart from being non-toxic and environment-friendly, peppermint also has a pleasant aroma which you will surely love.
Tomato Leaf
Now, this might sound like a new concept, but it’s actually a proven and tested method used by a number of homeowners. Owing to tomato being part of the nightshade family, it has alkaloids such as “tomatine” which is highly effective in dealing with aphids and other insects.
To make a spray out of a tomato leaf, you just have to chop 2 cups of fresh leaves and mix it with 1 quart of water. Allow it to steep overnight then spray onto problem areas the next day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
If you’re tired and annoyed of seeing fruit flies flying around your kitchen, then you can get rid of them by using apple cider vinegar. To do so, you will have to create a fruit fly trap using a bottle or container with a funnel-shaped top.
After that, fill the bottle with apple cider (you can also use vinegar mixed with chopped apple). On the other hand, you can also create a vinegar spray and apply it to your plants. However, you have to be careful when using such a solution to certain plants as its acidic nature might end up damaging them.
When applied, it will help you get rid of insects such as ants, slugs, moths, flies, and more.
Boric Acid
Despite being an acid, boric acid is actually fairly safe to use around kids and pets. However, you have to use it properly for it to be effective. If used properly, it will help you get rid of roaches which are known carriers of pathogens which can make your entire family sick due to food contamination.
Boric acid works by disrupting the stomachs of the insects when ingested, thereby resulting in negative changes in their nervous system. It can also effectively stop the growth of molds. As a natural pest control, it works best when applied in small amounts, mainly along crevices and cracks where insects frequent.
Cinnamon
If you’re tired of seeing ants frequently marching around your house, then you can take care of them for good by using cinnamon. It works by disrupting the ants’ sense of smell and suffocating them. While it’s not a quick solution, it is non-toxic and can be used safely around kids and pets.
However, for this natural pest control method to be effective, you have to use a high concentration of cinnamon oil, and it should be placed in areas where ants commonly visit. You also want to apply it during dry weather for it to be extremely effective.
Ladybugs
This might seem like an odd addition to this list. After all, ladybugs are insects. However, what sets them apart from other insects is that they are a good example of beneficial insects and one that you can use as a natural pest control method.
Compared to pests which focus their attention on plants, ladybugs focus their attention on other bugs. In fact, they use them as their food source. Due to this, adding ladybugs into your garden can be an excellent choice for controlling pest infestation the natural way.
The best thing is, you can buy them from various online retailers at very affordable rates. Just make sure that you provide them with a nearby water source to prevent them from leaving your garden.
Alternative Pest Control Methods
Fortunately, natural pest control isn’t just limited to using certain solutions and sprays to get rid of insects in your property. In fact, you can achieve natural pest control by simply implementing various techniques such as the following:
Opt for Resistant Plant Species
If you’re a green thumb, you can surely benefit from having resistant plant species in your garden. There are certain plant species which are known to have a high resistant to disease and even pest infestation. Ideally, you want to check the labels and seed packets in your local gardening shop.
By doing so, you will be able to prevent the rapid spread of diseases or pests which can damage specific plants.
Remove Plant Debris
Pest insects have a tendency to take shelter in dead leaves and other plant debris. In order to prevent this from happening, you have to make sure you clear any plant debris in your garden. This can be as simple as turning the
Allow Beneficial Insects to Take Up Residence
Ladybugs are just one of the few beneficial insects which can do your garden more good than harm. As such, you have to encourage various beneficial insects to live in your garden to get rid of pests. To do so, you can start by planting plants which offer pollen and nectar.
A lot of beneficial insects get attracted to plants like fennel, lemon balm, and spearmint.
Keep Your House Clean
Perhaps the most basic but sometimes overlooked method for natural pest control is keeping your house clean. This can be done by cleaning every nook and cranny throughout your property and making sure that the trash is emptied on a regular basis.
Also, you want to make sure that any empty barrels or containers don’t have any stagnant water as they can be a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Also, avoid leaving unfinished foods everywhere as ants can easily find them. Lastly, make sure that you keep your yard free of any dry leaves or trim any shrubs or overgrown plants present.
FAQs
What works as a natural pest control?
There are many types of insects that can be considered natural pests. These include flies, spiders, ants, wasps, bees, and termites. The best way to control these pests is by employing the use of a natural pest control product. You can find them in your local store or online at Amazon. There are many options for natural pest control products and each one is effective.
Natural pest control products have been around for a long time. For example, you can use essential oils as natural pest control products. These are some of the best options for natural pest control because they are all-natural and very effective. Some of the most effective essential oils are citronella, lavender, peppermint, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus. They are also easy to use.
You can simply rub them on your plants and they will kill insects without harming your plants. Another option for natural pest control is using homemade sprays. This is a very simple method. All you need is water, dish soap, or detergent, and your favorite essential oil. If you don’t have an essential oil, you can use a mixture of these things instead. Simply put a few drops of the essential oil in a spray bottle and add a few drops of water.
Spray the mixture on your plants to repel pests.
Why should I avoid using pesticides?
If you have an insect problem in your garden, you should probably try to avoid using pesticides. These chemicals may harm your plants or other animals in your garden. It is important that you only use pesticide when necessary. You should not spray any pesticide near your house or around any food sources. It is also important to note that many pesticides are toxic to humans as well as the environment. If you are having a difficult time with insects, try to contact a professional pest control service.
What insect works as a natural pest control?
Insects are considered to be the most common and efficient means of pest control, especially in areas where chemical pesticides are not allowed. They do not leave behind poisons in the environment that can harm humans and wildlife. However, there are certain insects that are considered to be pests.
There are many insects that can be used to control pests in the garden. The first thing you should know is that there are two types of pest control: biological and chemical. Biological control means that an insect will naturally eat or bite a pest. The insect becomes a predator and eats the pest. For example, lady bugs and praying mantids are predators.
Some of them can be harmful to humans, while others are beneficial to us.
Ladybugs are very beneficial insects.
They are the best natural pest control because it eats aphids, mites and other pests that carry pathogens. . The ladybug (or ladybird) is native to the United States. It’s a carnivorous beetle that hunts for prey. They eat aphids, thrips, mites, mealybugs and other pests. Ladybugs are also beneficial for the garden.
They also protect the plants from diseases.
Mealybug, scale insects, aphids, and whiteflies are all pests that can be controlled by natural means.
How do I control my garden pest organically?
Organic gardening is the best and safest way to keep your garden pest-free. It doesn't matter how big or small your garden is, you can use organic gardening techniques to keep pests at bay.
It's important to know which pests are going to affect your plants in your garden. You may not want to control all of them because some may do good to your plants. However, knowing which ones to avoid can be a lifesaver.
The right plants are essential for the survival of your garden. If you don’t choose the right plants, you will have a lot of work on your hands when it comes to pest control.
There is no doubt that each plant variety has its own pest resistance. Some plants are more susceptible to certain pests than others. Knowing this is important when you are choosing the right plants for your garden.
It is never too early to get informed about pest control in your garden. You can start by reading articles or books about pest control and how to protect your plants from them. This way, you will know what to expect and how to prevent them from causing problems.
When Possible One of the best ways to protect your garden against pests is to use bait plants.
This type of plant has a repellent that prevents pests from eating it. You can use them in your vegetable gardens or fruit trees.
It is important to keep an eye on your garden so you can identify any pest that is causing problems. If you find pests in your garden, you should immediately remove them so they will not cause problems for your other plants.
You should avoid keeping pests near your plants because they can easily spread diseases to your crops. They may also damage your plants and cause them to wilt.
Conclusion
As you can see, it’s not that hard to get rid of pests in your property. Additionally, this can be done by using natural methods instead of relying on toxic and chemical-based pesticides. By referring to the list above, you will be able to get rid of pests in your property for good.
Do you know of any natural insect pest control method which we might have missed? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!
Josephine is an enthusiastic gardener who loves to spend her spare time tending to her garden. She is passionate about growing her own food, and aspires to one day have her own vegetable garden. Josephine is also an animal lover and often takes in stray cats and dogs. She enjoys spending time with her pets in the garden, and is often seen playing with them or watering her plants. Josephine is an avid reader and enjoys learning about new gardening techniques and plants. She is always looking for ways to improve her garden and make it more beautiful. She is a great friend, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Josephine‘s passion for gardening and love of animals make her a wonderful addition to any garden.
