Oregon’s warm weather is great for farmers, but it also brings in pests that people do not want. Think about these natural ways to keep your plants healthy and your yard free of pests before you reach for harsh chemicals.
There are times when you might need to call a professional Exterminator in Portland if you have a major pest problem.
In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best natural pest control practices you can follow for your garden.
Build a strong defence with healthy plants.
Imagine that your yard is a healthy ecosystem. In the same way that a strong immune system keeps us from getting sick, pests are naturally less likely to attack healthy plants. Here is how to make a place that thrives and keeps attackers away:
- Feed the dirt: Plants grow strongly in rich and well-fed dirt. You can improve the quality of your soil and give your plants the nutrients they need by using compost or old manure.
- Use water wisely: Fungus gnats and plants get weaker when they get too much water. When you need to, water deeply, but let the dirt dry out a bit in between waterings.
Confuse them by disrupting pest habits.
A lot of pests like routines. They will be less likely to attack your yard if you mess with their habits.
- Rotate your crops around: Every year, do not put the same veggies in the same spot. This makes pests confused when they come back for an easy meal, so they have to look elsewhere.
- Companion planting: Some plants have perks you might not expect. Aphids stay away from plants like marigolds because they have a strong smell. Aphids are drawn to nasturtiums, which can act as decoys and protect your valuable veggies.
Invite beneficial predators to keep pests in check.
Beneficial insects and animals are found in nature and are a great way to get rid of pests.
- Ladybugs: These brightly colored bugs eat aphids naturally. Plant flowers that are high in pollen, like dill and cosmos, to attract ladybugs. These flowers will give them food and a reason to stay.
- Birds: Robins, wrens, and other birds love to eat slugs and other yard bugs. Put up nesting boxes, bird feeds, and natural plants that can be used as cover to make places that birds will like.
Keep pests out with natural barriers.
A physical barrier is sometimes the best security.
- Mulch: Putting mulch around your plants helps them stay moist, keeps weeds down, and keeps moving bugs like slugs and snails out. Use natural things like wood chips or crushed bark.
- Row covers: These light cloth tubes keep flying bugs like aphids and whiteflies away from your young plants.
Use tailored solutions to deal with specific pests.
Some pests might still show up even if you take steps to keep them away. Here are some natural ways to get rid of some common garden pests in Portland:
- Aphids: These are tiny bugs that feed on plant sap and can hurt your plants. They can be blown away with a strong stream of water, or you can spray them with a mixture of soap and water that kills bugs.
- Snakes and slugs: These slimy animals love to eat leaves. To keep them away, put down a layer of crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth around your plants. You can also catch them in small tubs with beer.
- Rodents: Rabbits, mice, and other rats can do a lot of damage to your yard. You can physically keep them out with fencing and hardware cloth.
Remember, you need to be patient! It might take a little longer to use these natural options than chemical ones, but they are worth it in the long run. A healthy ecosystem will grow in your yard, and you will be doing your part to protect the earth. For additional help, do not hesitate to reach out to a pest control service.
