Natural Pest Control.
Pests are a part of life whether you have a single houseplant or a grand estate. Sadly the many chemical treatments are harmful to many creatures in our food web and can last a significant length of time in soils and plants. There are many issues with these which we wont go into now. Instead we offer you a few natural alternatives.
Aphids & Mites:
Vine Weevil:
These can cause serious damage to plants particularly when kept in pots, certain species are more prone that others, these include succulents, Heucheras & Hosta's. The damage comes from the larvae eating the plants roots. Once noticed its often too late. Prevent these naturally with the use of sticky tapes to catch the adult and vine weevil nematodes applied in autumn which predate on the larvae. We have been using these for a few years now and have noticed a 99.9% reduction in weevils.
Slugs & Snails:
It is rarely necessary to treat an entire garden for slugs & snails, typically it is young or particularly vulnerable plants that cannot withstand slugs.
Aphids & Mites:
- Do not use pesticides, if you see aphids, green/blackfly or similar spraying will remove them temporarily but also prevent any chance of the natural predators moving in. Leave the pests, the numbers will grow, do not panic, once large enough numbers ladybirds, lacewings & song birds will begin feeding on them. Once in, these creatures will generally stay and keep numbers in a healthy balance. You can also purchase ladybirds as natural pest control if you do not naturally find them. They will stay and multiply in your garden. Ladybird larvae also eat aphids!
- Under glass woolly aphids & scale mites can become an issue. The best way to remove them is with a small artists paint brush and warm soapy water. Literally wash them off. Repeat as necessary.
- Should you spot damage on your plants inspect to check what is causing it before treating. Treating for the wrong cause not only doesnt work but is detrimental to even your plants.
Vine Weevil:
These can cause serious damage to plants particularly when kept in pots, certain species are more prone that others, these include succulents, Heucheras & Hosta's. The damage comes from the larvae eating the plants roots. Once noticed its often too late. Prevent these naturally with the use of sticky tapes to catch the adult and vine weevil nematodes applied in autumn which predate on the larvae. We have been using these for a few years now and have noticed a 99.9% reduction in weevils.
Slugs & Snails:
It is rarely necessary to treat an entire garden for slugs & snails, typically it is young or particularly vulnerable plants that cannot withstand slugs.
- Crushed egg shell. Place in a concentrated ring around the plant (ensure nothing is touching from inside to out for the slugs to climb up). The sharp edges deter slugs (Would you want to crawl bare skin over that). As these rot down they also add calcium to the soil. (Carnations love crushed egg shell)
- Sharp potting grit. As above. Or use as pot toppings. Has the added bonus of reducing water loss.
- Used coffee grounds, fantastic if you have access to a coffee machine. (Try your local café). Scatter around your plants. It will need replacing after heavy rain.
- Wool Pellets. We have trialled these and they work well. The ring around the plant needs to be solid and ensure nothing bridges the ring. As they rot down they add organic matter to the soil. This can be seen in the growth of the plant.
- Beer traps. Use old or cheap beer (don't waste the good stuff) just a small amount in a small tub such as a yoghurt pot buried in the ground. Slugs are attracted to it and fall in then drown. When full bury or compost the contents and refill. This has also been trialled and works well.
- And of course there is picking off and disposing of the slugs by hand.