Organic Pest Control
Organic Pest Control
KEEPING THE BALANCE
When choosing a method to address insect problems select the one which is likely to have the least negative impact on the whole growing environment in your garden. Just as with your own well-being, prevention is the place to start. If a problem develops follow the steps from left to right (from most benign to most intensive) to re-establish your garden’s balance. The more you do to maintain a healthy balance in your garden the less likely you will be to experience a pest infestation that will do significant damage
Prevention
Cultural practices:
Careful garden observation
Beneficial insect habitat
-cover crops
-good bug seed blends
Good garden hygiene
Companion planting with repellent or trap plants
Plant health:
Slow release sources of necessary nutrients
Adequate, consistent water availability
Careful plant selection Mixed and timed planting Crop rotation
Soil health:
High organic matter content
Organic nutrient sources Reduced tilling
Mechanical
Handpicking
Row covers
Water sprays
Sticky traps Confusion lures
Beneficial/ Biological
Bt (bacillus thuringiensis)
Biological fungicides
Grasshopper bait
Milky Spore Disease
Beneficial nematodes
Mineral/Botanical Insecticides
and Fungicides*
Diatomaceous Earth
Insecticidal soaps and oils
Neem
Pyrethrins/ Rotenones
* Remember that these products may be harmful to people, animals and beneficials. Use only when necessary. Read and follow label directions carefully.
