How to stop bugs from eating plants is a very important aspect of gardening. From companion planting to using organic pesticides, we provide you with the information and tools to combat common insect pests effectively.
Our tips cover everything from proper maintenance techniques to organic solutions that protect your plants and improve your garden’s overall health and appearance. Whether you’re a professional gardener or a newbie, our expert advice will surely help.
Contents
A Collection of Methods of How To Stop Bugs From Eating Plants
1. Companion Planting
| Effectiveness |
|
| Safety |
|
| Availability |
|
| Ease of use |
|
It is not only what you grow. It’s where you grow it – and where it stays. Until recently, much companion planting was based on hearsay, but a growing body of research proves that growing specific plants together can reduce pests, boost growth, and even help wildlife. Discover these tried-and-true companion planting combinations for the growing season!
First, some background. Companion planting is growing two plants near each other to benefit one or both—the benefit can be one-way or mutual. Growing flowers near your crops to attract pollinating insects or growing two vegetables next to each other to confuse or repel pests are examples of companion planting. For instance, here is a list of 11 plants that repel stink bugs. You can review this list and check if any of these plants can be used as companions to the plant of your garden that is affected.
Companion Planting has been practiced by The Old Farmer’s Almanac for over a century, based on time-honored wisdom. Over time, we’ve evolved our thinking on the best companion planting combinations as we’ve gathered more scientific evidence.
Traditionally, vegetables were thought to have “friends” and “foes”—companion plants that either helped or hindered their growth. This isn’t necessarily incorrect, but we’ve discovered that nearly all of the associations are positive; there are perhaps two or three “bad” combinations (e.g., black walnut trees, which secrete growth inhibitors through their roots).
Bottom line: there is more evidence for “good” companions than “bad,” so we are now focusing on why vegetables require companions!
2. Organic Pesticides
| Effectiveness |
|
| Safety |
|
| Availability |
|
| Ease of use |
|
Organic pesticides are pest control made from natural ingredients, such as plants, minerals, or microorganisms, to keep control of garden pests. They are used to control pests and diseases in gardens, farms, and other growing environments without the use of synthetic chemicals.
Organic pesticides are considered safer for the environment, humans, and animals when compared to conventional pesticides.
One of the most common organic pesticides is neem oil. It comes from the neem tree and has been used almost forever in India and other countries for natural pest control. It disrupts the growth and reproduction of pests and can control a wide range of insects, mites, and other arthropods.
Another popular organic pesticide is Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), a naturally-occurring bacteria toxic to certain insects but harmless to mammals, birds, and beneficial insects.
You can apply organic pesticides in various ways, such as sprays, dust, or granules. They can be used for both indoor plants and outdoor plants, and they can be used on a wide variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and ornamentals. Organic pesticides are usually less harmful than synthetic pesticides, and they break down quickly in the environment.
Overall, organic pesticides are a safe and effective alternative to synthetic pesticides for garden pests naturally. They can control pests and diseases in gardens, farms, and other growing environments without causing harm to the environment or human health.
3. Proper Maintenance and Sanitation
| Effectiveness |
|
| Safety |
|
| Availability |
|
| Ease of use |
|
Pests and diseases are kept at bay in gardens, farms, and other growing environments by proper maintenance and sanitation. This method entails keeping the growing environment clean and tidy, regularly inspecting plants for signs of infestation, and removing or treating affected plants as needed. Dish soap, neem oil, hot pepper, and essential oils may also be required.
Regular plant inspections and keeping natural insects alive, including spider mites and Japanese beetles, are two of the most important aspects of proper maintenance and sanitation.
This includes looking for pest signs like holes in leaves or discolored or distorted foliage and disease signs like yellowing leaves or moldy spots. If problems are discovered, affected plants should be removed from the growing environment.
Proper watering and fertilization also contribute to a healthy environment for plants. Pests and diseases can thrive in an environment that is over- or under-watered and fertilized.
Proper maintenance and sanitation are effective methods of keeping pests and diseases at bay. A healthy and productive growing environment can be maintained by inspecting plants regularly, removing affected plants, keeping the growing environment clean and tidy, and providing proper care.
4. Covers for Rows
| Effectiveness |
|
| Safety |
|
| Availability |
|
| Ease of use |
|
Covers, also known as floating row covers, are a gardening technique used to protect plants from pests, frost, and wind. They are made of a lightweight, absorbent fabric placed over rows of plants, creating a barrier that keeps pests out while allowing sunlight, water, and air to pass through.
Covers are often used as an alternative to chemical pesticides and can protect plants from various pests and environmental stresses.
One of the main benefits of using covers is that they can effectively protect plants from various pests, such as insects, birds, and small mammals. The barrier created by the row cover can prevent pests from reaching the plants, which can help to keep them healthy and productive.
Covers can also provide frost protection for plants sensitive to low temperatures and help prevent wind damage.
Covers are easy to use and can be installed quickly over rows of plants. They are often made of a lightweight, absorbent fabric such as spun-bonded polypropylene or polyester, which allows light, water, and air to reach the plants while keeping pests out. They are also reusable and can last for several seasons.
Overall, covers are an effective method for protecting plants from pests, frost, and wind. They are a natural and safe alternative to chemical pesticides and can help to promote healthy growth in gardens, farms, and other growing environments.
5. Handpicking Pests
| Effectiveness |
|
| Safety |
|
| Availability |
|
| Ease of use |
|
When hundreds of insects attack a plant at the same time, it may be important to use an insecticidal spray. However, handpicking the culprits can be just as effective and quick if a small number of insects causes damage.
Many butterflies, for example, only lay one egg per plant, so the caterpillar you see chewing on a leaf is all alone. If that’s the case, why spray? Simply throw it to the ground and crush it. Or pick it up by hand and squish it between your thumb and finger (garden gloves are permitted!). If you’re feeling brave, put the intruder in a bucket of soapy water.
Handpicking pests can be done anytime, but it’s often best to do it in the morning or evening when pests are less active. It is essential to wear gloves and wash hands and tools thoroughly before and after handling pests to prevent the spread of disease.
Overall, handpicking pests is a simple and effective pest control method that can protect plants from pests without using chemical pesticides. It is a targeted method that can be used to remove specific pests from a plant or group of plants and as a preventative measure to control pests before they cause significant damage.
6. Use of Traps
| Effectiveness |
|
| Safety |
|
| Availability |
|
| Ease of use |
|
The use of traps is a method of pest control that involves using various traps to attract and capture pests, such as insects and small mammals before they can damage plants. This method can be an effective way to control pests in gardens, farms, and other growing environments without the use of chemical pesticides.
One of the most common types of traps used in pest control is sticky traps. These are small, colorful, and coated with a sticky substance that attracts and captures flying insects such as flies, moths, and aphids.
Another type of trap is the pheromone trap, which uses the chemical attractants that pests emit to lure them into a sticky trap or a container. These traps are particularly effective for moths and beetles.
Another popular type of trap for small mammals, such as rodents, rabbits, and squash bugs, are live traps as bug repellent options that capture the animals without harming them, allowing for release in a different location.
The use of traps can be an effective way to control pests in common gardens, farms, and other growing environments without the use of chemical pesticides. It can also provide a way to monitor pest populations and detect the early signs of an infestation.
However, it is essential to note that traps alone may not fully control the pests, and other methods should be used in conjunction with trapping.
Overall, using traps is a valuable pest control method that can help protect plants from pests without chemical pesticides. It can attract and capture a wide range of pests, including insects and small mammals, and can provide a way to monitor pest populations and detect the early signs of an infestation.
7. Beneficial Insects
| Effectiveness |
|
| Safety |
|
| Availability |
|
| Ease of use |
|
Beneficial insects are a method of pest control that involves using insects that naturally prey on or parasitize pests in gardens, farms, and other growing environments. This method can be an effective way to control pests without chemical pesticides, and it can help promote biodiversity in the growing environment.
Some of the most common beneficial insects used in pest control include ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. Ladybugs and lacewings are generalist predators that feed on many pests, such as aphids, mites, and whiteflies.
On the other hand, parasitic wasps lay their eggs on or inside the pests, and the hatching larvae feed on the pests, killing them. You can kill them with a homemade bug spray or even an insecticidal soap, or simply a garlic spray can help.
Beneficial insects can be purchased from gardening or farm supply stores and released in the garden or farm. They can also be attracted to the growing environment by planting various flowers, herbs, and other natural plants that provide nectar and pollen for beneficial adult insects to feed on.
Providing nesting sites, such as hollow stems or small piles of leaves, can encourage beneficial insects to stay in the area.
Overall, beneficial insects are an effective and natural pest control method that can help protect plants from pests without using chemical pesticides. They can help to promote biodiversity in the growing environment.
When incorporated with other pest control methods such as proper maintenance and sanitation, companion planting, and crop rotation, they can be a powerful tool in maintaining a healthy and productive garden or farm.
8. Diatomaceous Earth
| Effectiveness |
|
| Safety |
|
| Availability |
|
| Ease of use |
|
DE is a method of pest control that involves using a natural powder made from the fossil left from diatoms, a type of algae. DE effectively controls a wide range of pests, such as insects, mites, and slugs, by desiccating their exoskeleton, which leads to death.
This method can effectively control pests without chemical pesticides and is a safe option for humans and the environment.
When diatoms die, their shells settle to the bottom of the water body, and over time, they accumulate and form a sedimentary rock called diatomite. When mined and ground, it is transformed into DE powder.
DE powder can be applied to plants by dusting or spraying; it can also be used as a barrier around the plants to keep pests from reaching them. It is important to note that DE is not harmful to beneficial insects, birds, and other beneficial organisms; it only affects pests by desiccating their exoskeleton.
Overall, it is a natural and safe pest control method that can help protect plants from a wide range of pests without using chemical pesticides.
It is easy to use and can be a powerful tool in maintaining a healthy and productive garden or farm when combined with other pest control methods such as proper maintenance and sanitation, companion planting, and crop rotation.
9. Neem Oil
| Effectiveness |
|
| Safety |
|
| Availability |
|
| Ease of use |
|
Neem oil is a method of pest control that uses a natural oil derived from the seeds of the neem tree, Azadirachta indica. Neem oil spray is known to have insecticidal and fungicidal properties that can effectively control a wide range of pests and diseases without causing harm to beneficial insects and other non-target organisms.
This method can effectively control pests without chemical pesticides and is a safe option for humans and the environment.
Neem oil comes directly from the neem tree and contains toxic compounds to typical pests, such as aphids, whiteflies, mites, and scale insects. It disrupts the growth and reproduction of pests and controls a wide range of insects, mites, and other arthropods. Neem oil also has fungicidal properties and can control various plant diseases caused by fungi and bacteria.
Neem oil can be applied to plants by foliar spray or soil drench. It can be infused with water or other natural oils to make a solution, and it should be applied at specific intervals per the instructions provided on the product. Neem oil is often used on tomatoes for pest control!
It is important to know that neem oil should be applied early morning or late evening to avoid direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn.
Neem oil is a pure and safe pest control method that can help protect plants from various pests and diseases without using chemical pesticides. It is easy to use and can be a powerful tool in maintaining a healthy and productive garden or farm when combined with other pest control methods such as proper maintenance and sanitation, companion planting, and crop rotation.
10. Rotating Crops
| Effectiveness |
|
| Safety |
|
| Availability |
|
| Ease of use |
|
Crop rotation is a pest control method that entails planting different crops in a specific order in a specific area over time. This method can be used to control pests without using chemical pesticides, and it can help to improve soil health and productivity.
Pests and diseases that affect one crop may not affect the next crop planted in that area if crops are rotated, reducing pest and disease pressure.
Crop rotation entails planting different plant families in the same area each year. This can aid in breaking the life cycle of pests and diseases that affect specific plant families, reducing pest and disease pressure.
Furthermore, crop rotation can help improve soil health. Rotating crops can also help improve soil health by returning different nutrients to the soil and reducing the buildup of pathogens and pests that can develop in the soil over time.
Crop rotation can be done with different varieties of the same crop. This can be accomplished by planting various varieties of the same crop each year or planting the same crop in a different field or location. The goal is to keep pests and diseases from becoming established in one area, making control more difficult.
Crop rotation, in general, is a natural and effective pest control method that can help protect plants from pests and diseases without using chemical pesticides. It has the potential to improve soil health and productivity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several methods for stopping bugs from eating plants, including companion planting, organic pesticides, proper maintenance and sanitation, handpicking pests, traps, beneficial insects, neem oil, and rotating crops.
- Each method offers unique benefits and can be used with other methods for maximum effectiveness.
- One of the key takeaways from this article is the importance of using a holistic approach to pest control.
- Combining methods can create a natural and sustainable environment that supports beneficial insects and other organisms while effectively controlling pests.
- Finally, it’s important to remember that preventing pests from becoming established in the first place is the most effective way to control them.
Now you can follow the best route possible to eradicate pests!
Sources
- https://www.greenhomepest.com/blog/post/how-to-stop-bugs-from-eating-your-plants
- https://www.thespruce.com/using-neem-oil-as-an-organic-insecticide-2132579
- How Long Do Hibiscus Flowers Last: Ways To Elongate - May 24, 2023
- Aeroponics vs. Hydroponics: Comparison of Two Planting Ways - May 24, 2023
- Monstera Deliciosa Light Requirements: The Ideal Conditions - May 21, 2023
