Organic Pest Control Strategies for the Garden

1 / 16
 An American toad eyes a potato beetle.
An American toad eyes a potato beetle.
2 / 16
In their larval stage, lacewings help prevent aphid outbreaks.
In their larval stage, lacewings help prevent aphid outbreaks.
3 / 16
As adults, lacewings feed on flower nectar.
As adults, lacewings feed on flower nectar.
4 / 16
This fierce-looking critter, which is eating aphids, is the larval stage of the familiar ladybeetle.
This fierce-looking critter, which is eating aphids, is the larval stage of the familiar ladybeetle.
5 / 16
A young duck prepares to gobble up a slug.
A young duck prepares to gobble up a slug.
6 / 16
Wasps are an excellent ally against garden pests. Many help control common caterpillar pests.
Wasps are an excellent ally against garden pests. Many help control common caterpillar pests.
7 / 16
Some wasps lay eggs in aphids, thereby killing them.
Some wasps lay eggs in aphids, thereby killing them.
8 / 16
From left to right: Pest Pistol; Dustin-Mizer; Solo 2-liter sprayer. All products are available from Peaceful Valley Farm and Garden Supply.
From left to right: Pest Pistol; Dustin-Mizer; Solo 2-liter sprayer. All products are available from Peaceful Valley Farm and Garden Supply.
9 / 16
Cabbageworm
Cabbageworm
10 / 16
Aphids
Aphids
11 / 16
Scale
Scale
12 / 16
Squash Bug
Squash Bug
13 / 16
Adult Bean Beetle
Adult Bean Beetle
14 / 16
Larval Bean Beetle
Larval Bean Beetle
15 / 16
Flea Beetle
Flea Beetle
16 / 16
Cockroach
Cockroach

According to an ancient Chinese proverb, “If you would be happy all your life, plant a garden.” Modern gardeners know this to be true, but unfortunately our gardens also seem to inspire delight in grasshoppers, squash bugs and countless other hungry insects. There’s at least one serious insect enemy for every crop, so knowing how to prevent and treat pest problems is fundamental to maximizing the rewards you can reap from your gardening efforts.

When faced with a pest problem, gardeners — new ones in particular — often reach for a solution that comes in a spray bottle. It’s true that many poisons sold in garden centers will kill any, and often all, insects in your garden. (Some of these products are less toxic than others, see Top Organic Pest Control Products for options approved for organic growers.) But spraying chemicals is rarely the best option for getting rid of pests. Many pesticides are hazardous to humans and wildlife, and most will kill beneficial insects right along with the pests you’re targeting.

Organic Pest Control Strategies

Before you march into your garden armed for an insect Armageddon, answer these three important questions:

  • Published on Feb 1, 2006
Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368