What is Organic Pest Control?

Organic pest control consists of a variety of methods. One of my favorites is by the “scent” otherwise known as “scentsible pest control!” For bugs, slugs and thugs that live to devour your garden, think stink.  Much like humans, critters are adverse to certain scents, specifically garlic, hot pepper, dead fish, tobacco, coffee—the list goes on.  If you incorporate these odors into your pest control regime, you will find the insects will steer clear of your garden.  It’s what I like to call “scentsible” pest control.  Non-toxic and fully operational!

Other ways to use this aromatherapy style pest control is with companion planting.  For instance, garlic repels the aphids that would destroy your roses.  It also helps prevent mildew and black spots! Rosemary repels carrot flies and cabbage moths.  But did you know mint (peppermint, spearmint) will repel ants?  Who knew?

Fish emulsion fertilizer is the perfect solution, because not only is it a great way to feed your plants, the low tide stench will ward off most unwelcome guests—pets and kids included!  But consider this forewarning: DON’T apply before you expect the sweet children to weed.  You’ll only set yourself up for most assured rebellion.

Insecticidal Soap

But if you want to kill the bugs, you’ll need to get messy—or shall I say, sticky, with your organic pest control.  Your best option for stopping bugs in their tracks is to use mineral and/or vegetable oil. Basically, this stuff “clings” to the bug and suffocates them.  Sounds awful I know, but it’s better than you plucking and pinching the beasts, isn’t it?

Thought so.  And it’s just as organic.  Another alternative for excellent clinging benefits is vegetable based liquid soap.  Just remember NOT to apply on hot sunny days as they can harm your plants and DO reapply after rain.

There are tons of ways to concoct these potions and can be found across the internet but you can mix your own in a few easy steps.  For a hot garlic spray, combine a few garlic bulbs, several hot peppers (powdered will do), a spoonful of vegetable oil and a few spritzs of dish soap in a ½ gallon of water. Mix well (blender works great!), then pour what you need into a spray bottle.  Be sure to save the rest for later by sealing it well and storing in a cool dark place marked: CAUTION – bug zapping spray.

Got compost?  How about making a lovely compost tea?  Mix 4 parts warm water with 1 part compost and allow the solution to sit for a few days.  Then all you do is pour the mixture into a spray bottle and you’re on your way to stinkville!  Manure substitutes well.

Of course it does. For a quick and spray, use your old coffee.  Yep, dump the unused coffee into a spray bottle and off you go!  White flies really detest coffee.  Scatters em’ like sand flinging from a wet dog’s beach bod. (Have you met my Yellow Lab?  He’s real cute—until he shakes, that is. :))

Beneficial Insects

Insects can also be a method of organic pest control. Basically you have good bugs and bad bugs that frolic in your plants. Good bugs are also known as beneficials, because they “benefit” your garden by keeping plants healthy and strong—and bug-free! But don’t forget the flowers. These can also be helpful because some bugs are “repelled” by certain scents. One of the all-around best is French marigold. Not only does it repel nematodes (tiny bugs in the soil), it also discourages whiteflies, flea beetles and aphids. Geraniums repel red spider mites and horseradish repels potato bugs.

Who are some of the bad bugs?

aphids and beetles

caterpillars and hornworms

leaf hoppers and leaf miners

mosquitoes and moths

slugs and snails

squash bugs and whiteflies

grasshoppers and crickets

Which ones are good?

assassin bugs and pirate bugs

ladybugs and green lacewings

dragonflies, frogs and hoverflies

praying mantis and some wasps