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Many people use chemical pest control solutions to kill unwanted insects from their yard. While this may be an effective method in pest removal, it can have dire consequences to the very vegetation you are trying to protect. Rather than risk having exposure to harmful chemicals, using organic pest control methods is an option that keeps humans, pets, and vegetation safe while removing harmful insects in the process. Here are a few organic pest control methods you may want to consider adding to your own yard maintenance procedure.
Use Selective Beneficial Insects
Using chemical means to kill insects is often non-selective, meaning all insects in the area are killed instead of just specific species. This can in turn cause a secondary invasion of a different pest, as there are no predators left in the area to ward them off. Instead, use beneficial insects to remove the problem ones. Ladybugs or the praying mantis are examples of beneficial insects that will ward off invasions of harmful pests. Adding these to your yard will ensure the existing pests are removed and new ones will not be so quick to move in.
Apply Botanical Pesticides, Soaps, Or Oils
There is an array of organic pesticides on the market that can be applied directly to vegetation without adverse affects to them or the ground they grow within. These will kill insects quickly, however, they are usually non-selective and will kill any beneficial insects in addition to harmful ones. These work best when applied to the area first, waiting several weeks, then adding beneficial insects to keep the insects from returning. Organic soaps and oils made specifically for pest control purposes will smother insects after application. These are also harmful to beneficial insects.
Apply A Biological Pesticide
This biopesticide is a parasite or predator that will attack specific insect species or a natural substance that controls pests with non-toxic methods. It can be pathogens that are derived from parasites or predators which will kill off insects as well. These are safe to beneficial insects and will only harm undesired pests. An example of a biological pesticide method is the use of nematodes to remove termites from the ground. Baking soda is also a biopesticide as it is not harmful to vegetation, but can be used to kill or deter specific insects.
Try Manually Removing Pests
Using a mechanical control method is desirable if you have a smaller surface area to care for. There are a variety of tools available that help remove insects from your yard without applying chemicals to do so. Use a sticky tape to remove insects from plant leaves or the side of your home. Hand pluck visible insects from your vegetation. Try using a copper tape, which gives a mild electrical charge against the body fluids of pests like slugs. While these methods will most likely not eradicate the pests completely, they may help slow down any damage to your yard. You can then try additional pest control supplies in conjunction with mechanical control to remove the pests in their entirety.
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