Organic Pest Control

Dormant oil spray is a non-toxic material that can be sprayed on trees and shrubs in the fall after leaf drop or in the spring before leaves or blossoms appear. It smothers overwintering bug eggs before they have a chance to hatch. If you have plants under trees or shrubs you plan to spray, then covering them is a good idea as it can hinder growth of perennials. You can buy dormant oil spray at home improvement stores, discount superstores and nurseries. Apply dormant oil before temperatures drop below 40 degrees F.

Oil-Away™ Supreme Insecticidal Spray from Gardens Alive is made from cottonseed oil that’s extracted the old-fashioned way, by squeezing or pressing. No chemical solvents, normally used in the commercial extraction process, are used. Unlike some dormant oil products, this one won’t burn or harm sensitive foliage if used in warmer weather. IMPORTANT: It’s best used in the fall after leaf drop or in the spring before leaves or blossoms and beneficial bugs appear. Ladybugs and other beneficial insects that migrate onto a plant after it’s been sprayed are not affected.

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Pyrethrum is a vegetable insecticide made from oils found in the plant Chrysanthemum cinerarifolium. It is very effective in killing aphids, ants, mosquitoes, flea beetles, weevils, sawfly caterpillars, leaf hoppers and many other insects. It works very quickly but only if the bug is in contact with the spray or powder. It loses it’s toxicity quite rapidly under sun and air. The EPA has widely approved it as the safest insecticide on the market. It also has been known to cause allergic reactions so wear gloves and wash well if you feel you need to use this substance.

Chrysanthemum cinerarifolium (Pyrethrum)-NCSU Horticultural Science

Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) is a naturally-occurring microorganism (soil bacterium) that produces proteins that kills any grub or insect that ingests it by paralyzing the bug’s digestive system. Bt is nontoxic to people, pets and the environment. It also doesn’t kill beneficial insects or their natural enemies (predators and parasites), or beneficial pollinators like butterflies or honeybees.

Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology, The University of Edinburgh

Bt is usually found in garden supply stores as a liquid Bt spray Bt does not last long so in many instances it must be reapplied. It can take up to 3 days to kill an insect after it has ingested it but in the meantime they stop feeding on your precious plants, roots and turf. It does not harm earthworms.

Insecticidal Soap is simple soaps and vegetable ingredients. Some soaps have oil in them as well. This will kill most bugs but is most effective on soft bodied insects like aphids, scale, mealy bugs and most sap sucking insects. This only works by spraying directly on the pests. It works by breaking down the exoskeleton body which will dehydrate and kill bugs. It may need to be reapplied every few days, but be careful as it can damage tender plants with repeated use. This soap can be bought under different labels and also in concentrated form. If you decide to use concentrate be sure to mix as directed on the label.

Plant Guardian™ Houseplant Insecticidal Soap from Gardens Alive can be used indoors or outside, is all-natural, environmentally friendly and safe for use around kids and pets. It works great on roses, vegetables, fruit and nut trees, strawberries, raspberries, and ornamental and shade trees as well as houseplants. You can apply it to fruit and vegetables up to the day of harvest.

Here is my homemade recipe that you can make at home:
1 or 2 tablespoons of any dish soap to one quart of water. Spray directly on the bugs.

All bugs, insects, crawly creatures and spiders (harmful or beneficial) are nature’s natural pollinators. I don’t recommend using anything to combat them unless your problem is overwhelming. Some of these methods will also kill beneficial Insects and Bugs. If you find it necessary to eliminate a bug family, be sure you proceed with caution. All plants have their own natural resistance to bugs so the secret is to maximize their ability to survive and flourish. This includes organic soil, compost, organic fertilizers and simple common sense. The healthier your plants are the less likely they will be prone to pest problems and diseases. So keep your plants happy

Click here for all natural pesticides from Gardens Alive! I have also listed some organic controls below that you may want to try that can help you alleviate your garden pest problems and still “Go Green”.