Pest Control

Some common pests in my garden are stink bugs, flea beetles, cucumber beetles, slugs and sow bugs. In my search to rid myself of these pests and wanting to eat my yield instead of feeding the bugs, I have been trying many combinations of different types of pest control. My one "Must" is organic, non-toxic and environmentally safe products that my family and I can eat without worrying about the side effects and polluting the environment. I believe the most important point in growing healthy plants is to keep the plant healthy by what you are growing it in and what you are feeding it. Also please use all sprays following mixing directions exactly and wait to spray after the pollinators have retired for the day.

For controlling pests on crop plants the main mode of action is as an antifeedant. Insects refuse to eat any plant sprayed with Neem until they die. Other effects are as a repellent and interferes with the ability to reproduce. Beneficial insects are not affected as they do not eat the plants and areas sprayed do not affect earthworms, but seem to increase size and quantity.

Used with Neem oil at 2% seems to improve action of Neem. The cake left after extraction is very good for a top dressing. 4.2% nitrogen, 0.9% phosphorus and 2% potassium.

A washing and cleansing agent that is used for an organic emulsifier with Neem and Karanja. It is also used as a soil drench for helping to control slugs and mealy bugs.

Pyrethrins are natural insecticides found in daisy-like Chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethrins have a low order of toxicity to warm-blooded animals and can be used even in the home. The USDA has stated that synergized pyrethrum "is probably the safest of all insecticides for use in food plants "and that" a pyrethrum formulation is approved for use around foodstuffs". Pyrethrum can be toxic to fish so should be used with care around ponds, aquariums, etc.

The chemical that gives chile peppers their heat. There are products already mixed which is the easiest way to apply. Be extremely careful using and spraying. These are used on aphids, cabbage loppers, spider mites and whiteflies.

Soap sprayed for aphids. Must be resprayed 4 to 5 times every other  days or so to be effective. Best used when seedlings are young as it will not burn them as pyrethrins can.

Used for slug and snail control. Has to be reapplied after ever rain.

Bacillus thuringiensis

Bt, is a naturally occurring, soil borne organism. Valued in its ability to control certain insect pests environmentally friendly manner. Bt is effective in controlling insects in the larva stage. After the Bt is eaten it continues to grow and reproduce producing crystalline toxins thus paralyzing the digestive tract and causing them to cease eating.

This group would include ladybugs, preying mantis, beneficial wasps and spiders.

Toads, frogs and box turtles.