Pest Control in Gardens

Common garden pests include insects, rabbits, birds, slugs and snails. While some creatures are beneficial to gardens—such as toads and ladybugs, who eat aphids and other pests—most are unwelcome. The following tips and techniques can help keep vegetable gardens pest-free.

Keeping Pests Out

There are many ways to keep common garden pests from being able to reach young plants at all. Plastic bottles and netting can be used to keep slugs, snails, and birds at bay. Wire netting, or wire cages, are always a good idea if rabbits are a problem. Horticultural fleece can be used to deter carrot flies. Rubber snakes and inflatable owls offer an easy way to scare birds and small herbivores from snacking on young plants.

Healthy Plants are Less Susceptible to Pests

Since healthy plants are less likely to fall prey to pests, it always helps to be an attentive gardener. Keep plants healthy by watering frequently, maintaining rich, well-drained soil, and feeding plants often. Encouraging beneficial garden creatures can help, too, since they will feed on harmful insects. Toads, ladybugs, and praying mantises will feed on aphids, beetles, and other pests, creating a natural balance in the garden. These creatures can be purchased online for gardening purposes.

Organic Pest Control

There are many effective methods of organic pest control. Interplanting is a good way to place mutually beneficial plants together in an effort to confuse pests. Insecticidal soaps are economic and safe, and are effective against many different kinds of insects. Garlic-based insecticides are highly effective, since garlic is a natural insect repellent. Organic pest control offers a nice alternative to chemical pesticides.

Chemical Pest Control

There are many effective pesticides available today, and although most are safe, instructions should be read carefully before using. Unused chemicals need to be disposed of properly, and children and pets should not be in the area when pesticides are applied. It is recommended to research chemical pesticides carefully before use, as some are safer than others.

Prevention is the Key

Being proactive is always a good idea, and there are many steps that can be taken to keep pests from taking over a garden. Interplanting is an easy way to confuse pests. For example, basil distracts bugs away from tomatoes and sage deters carrot flies and cabbage moths. Marigolds should be planted throughout the garden, since they emit a scent that repels insects. Try spraying seedlings with organic repellents made of hot pepper spray or animal urine upon planting to deter pests. Taking these steps will greatly aid pest control and guarantee a healthy harvest.