5 Ways to Cut Down on Pests Without Harming Your Garden
Growing a garden takes a lot of hard work, which is why it’s so frustrating when your plants are being eaten by pests. Gardens are a haven for all types of insects, many of which are actually beneficial: Ladybugs, praying mantises, honey bees, dragonflies, and lacewings are among the insects that are considered helpful in garden environments. Unfortunately, many other types of pests are harmful to gardens and should be managed quickly and safely without harming your garden.
Garden Pest Identification
Knowing which pests may be a threat to your garden can help you stay vigilant about keeping them away. Some pests to be wary of in the garden include:
- Aphids
- Caterpillars
- Slugs or snails
- Fire ants
- Japanese beetles
- Spider mites
How to Cut Down on Garden Pests
Because certain insects are hard to get rid of once they’ve infested your garden, the best way to keep your garden pest-free is by preventing them. Many pesticides or insecticides on the market, however, can be dangerous, which is why the following measures should be taken in order to cut down on garden pests:
- Use row covers: These are lightweight fabric sheets that cover plants in the garden without smothering them, protecting the garden from small pests and insects.
- Install raised beds: With your plants raised above ground, insects may have a harder time finding their preferred meal and are more exposed to their predators.
- Plant beneficial companion plants: Certain herbs and plants, such as garlic or sage, have a strong aroma that works well to keep a variety of insects away.
- Use diatomaceous earth: This powder is a non-toxic solution to controlling pests in the garden as it works to dehydrate and eliminate all pests.
- Invest in cultivating predators: Toads, frogs, ladybugs, and hummingbirds are all predators of a variety of insects and help keep the garden pest-free.
Eco-Friendly Garden Pest Control
Keeping pests out of the garden can seem like a daunting task, even more so when you consider how many harmful pesticides or insecticides there are on the market. Luckily, there are many natural ways to get rid of garden pests and even more ways to incorporate preventative measures. If you’ve done all you can to cut down on pests in your garden to no avail, call the experts at Antworks to learn how we can help keep your garden safe and healthy.
