5 Best Natural Pesticides

Pests are inevitable. It doesn’t matter where you live you’re going to find them. In many cases what humans deem to be a pest is actually an important part of Mother Nature. For example, the fly is a nuisance, it buzzes around all day, seemingly pointless. But, it actually helps to breakdown waste products, allowing them to be reabsorbed by the earth. The fly is also an important part of the food chain, it’s food for spiders and birds.

Of course, flies also carry an array of diseases and we don’t want them anywhere near our homes or our food. That’s why you should call a pest control expert if you have an infestation, and why you should try to prevent a problem occurring with these 5 natural pesticides.

1. Neem Oil

Neem oil comes from the seeds of the Neem tree, they need to be crushed in order to obtain the oil but you can purchase the oil ready-made.

It is known to disrupt every stage of an insect’s lifecycle, whether they are larvae, full-grown, or even in egg form.

The best part is that it is non-toxic to other forms of life and it can help to combat fungal infections on plants. Simply mix 2 teaspoons of the oil with a teaspoon of liquid dish soap and 2 cups of water, you can then put the mixture into a spray bottle and use as you wish.

2. Diatomaceous Earth

This is a naturally occurring substance that looks a little like talc and is actually the fossilized remains of dinosaurs.

It has no negative effects on humans or any mammal, but it does kill pests effectively. The DE simply sticks to the exoskeleton of pests and causes their insides to turn to jelly!

It’s also very easy to use, just sprinkle it wherever you have a pest issue.

3. Soap Spray

Creating a soap spray is as easy as adding a tablespoon of liquid dish soap to 2 cups of water. Put the solution in a spray bottle and spray directly onto your plants.

This solution is very effective at killing aphids, whiteflies, beetles, and mites.

4. Tomato Leaf

It may surprise you to learn that the tomato plant is actually part of the nightshade family. Although not harmful to humans, the tomato leaf contains tomatine which is actually very effective at deterring and killing an array of insects, including aphids, flies, and mites.

You’ll need to start with 2 cups of tomato leaves and chop them, add them to 2 cups of water and leave the mixture to steep for at least 12 hours. You can then strain it and put the liquid into a spray bottle to apply directly to affected areas.

5. Natural Predators

One of the most effective solutions is to add non-harmful predators into your garden, these will target the pests and eliminate the issue for you.

For example, the praying mantis eats almost any other insect, including mosquitoes, caterpillars and aphids. Large ones can even eat beetles and grasshoppers.

Simply verify which pests you’re dealing with and then choose the natural predator that will deal with the issue for you.

Don’t forget that by controlling the pests in your garden you’re reducing the attractiveness of your home to larger pests that may present an issue inside your home. Of course, if you already have a pest problem you need to click here and get it sorted today.