Organic pest control is a great way to keep your garden healthy and free of pests without using harsh chemicals. There are many organic pest control products available, such as Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap, Harris Diatomaceous Earth, Natria Neem Oil Spray, Monterey's Garden Insect Spray with Spinosad, and Horticultural Oil. Each of these products has its own unique benefits and can be used to effectively control a variety of pests. In addition, physical barriers such as floating covers and electric fences can be used to keep animals away from your garden.
When using organic pest control products, it is important to read the product label and follow the instructions carefully. For example, Natria Neem Oil Spray is ready to use and won't wash off in the rain, but Monterey's Garden Insect Spray with Spinosad is a concentrate that must be mixed with water before spraying. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a dust made of crushed fossils of small aquatic creatures that can be used as a physical barrier to keep insects away from your plants. In addition to using organic pest control products, there are other steps you can take to protect your garden from pests.
Healthy soil, adequate irrigation, and plenty of sunlight will help your plants defend themselves against pests. You can also remove mulch where pests like to hide and generously space plants so that the soil dries quickly. Organic pest control methods can be just as effective as traditional pesticides in controlling garden pests. Professional pest control companies often use organic methods such as extreme heat or cold to control resistant insects.
In some cases, the simplest and least expensive means of organic pest control is simply removing insects by hand. When shopping for organic pest control products, look for those that are OMRI-certified. This certification ensures that the product meets the standards set by the Organic Materials Review Institute for use in organic production. You can also look for products that donate a portion of their profits to local humanitarian societies so you can help others while protecting wildlife in your own backyard.