Eco- Friendly pest control

     Steps are being taken to eliminate the toxic use of chemicals to garden. Organic fertilizers are now available and there are many other ways to offer sustainable lawn choices. Eco-friendly pest control choices are now also coming into the garden for a great way to get rid of the bad pests and keep the good insects.

     Eco-friendly pest control means using nature as your helper. Birds are a wonderful way to start! Various types of birds use insects as their primary source of food. Birds also use insects to feed their young. It is first necessary to find out which kind of bird you need for your bug infestation. Once you’ve figured out your bird situation, you can learn how to attract them.

     Use the following list to determine the type of bird you want to attract based on the pest problem that you have.

     • Barn swallows- mosquitoes and flying insects.

     • Purple martins- mosquitoes and most flying insects.

     • Bluebirds- grasshoppers, crickets, ground beetles, spiders and caterpillars.

     • Robins- grubs, weevils and various types of beetles.

     Adapting an environment for your birds is important. It is necessary to provide food, water, and shelter. A good nesting place is also beneficial. Various types of bird seed are available for each bird, and bird fountains add beauty and water to your property, but try to put them in a sunny location. Extra foliage attracts birds for their homes. Birds differ in their eating location- some like food hanging on trees and some are ground feeders. There are bird feeders for each bird type!

     Another natural approach is to use home-made pesticides that work for you and the environment.

     • To prevent fungus growth: Find a spray bottle that you can use long term. Then mix 2 tablespoons baking soda, one table spoon vegetable oil, and one pint of water into the spray bottle. Shake the bottle and then add one tablespoon castile soap. Shake before using every time! Spray on plant leaves and soil every five to seven days to prevent fungal growth.

     • To prevent fungus growth: Find another long term spray bottle. Mix half milk and half water. Shake every time and spray on your plants every three or four days. This also prevents fungal growth.

     • To divert slugs: Place inexpensive beer in a shallow plate in your garden. A jar lid works well and is not easily missed. The beer will attract slugs and then drown them. Another natural enemy of the slug? Salt.

     • Prohibit mold and mildew growth: One more expendable spray bottle filled with raw apple cider vinegar sprayed on leaves and soil around plants will be extremely preventative of any negative growths.

     You can protect your garden from pests with safe and natural methods. Your plants will appreciate it as well as the approved admirers of your garden.