Infobreaks Newsletter

Do It Yourself Outdoor Pest Control

Outdoor pest control poses a unique problem – you can rid your garden or yard of unwelcome pests, but there are always going to be much more ready to take their place. Insects come in an unlimited supply. Even though you may make your outdoor area a place where they may not want to breed, they will simply breed and multiply somewhere else, and keep visiting your yard or garden to check for food.

When you are considering the problem of outdoor pest control, you first want to decide what your goal is, and then map out your plan of attack. Which insects do you want to rid your area of? Are there some beneficial insects that visit your yard or garden that you do not want to harm, such as bees or ladybugs? Do you want to work with chemicals, or would you rather use natural methods for your outdoor pest control?

When it comes to pest control for a yard or garden, most people prefer to try their own methods before calling in a professional. Unless the outdoor pests pose an immediate danger to your house or property, such as in the case of termites or carpenter ants, you can probably deal with the problem successfully on your own, as long as you have the right information and tools. Here are some tips on dealing with outdoor pests.

Other insects – One of the best ways to get rid of unwanted insects in your yard or garden is to introduce other insects that like to feed on them. You can buy ladybugs in any garden shop, and once you set them loose in your yard, they will happily start ridding the area of aphids. The Praying Mantis can also be a beneficial insect to introduce to your garden. It will eat a variety of insects, and it has a voracious appetite. You need to keep in mind, however, that the Praying Mantis does not discriminate, so it may eat beneficial insects as well.

Pest-repelling plants – There are certain plants that you can place around your yard or garden that will repel insects naturally. Marigolds have been used by gardeners for centuries to repel many types of garden pests. Garlic and catnip also work well. Check with your local garden store to see which pest-repelling plants would be best for you to use.

Homemade sprays – You may need to do a bit of research on what is best for your garden, but many people have had success making their own pest-killing and pest-repelling sprays. Anything strong like garlic, onion, and hot peppers mixed with water can help repel pests from your yard or garden, and will not introduce harmful chemicals to the area.

Chemicals – This should probably be a last resort, as many chemicals can be toxic to animals or humans. Using chemicals to rid a vegetable garden of pests may work, but the chemicals can also leach into the soil, or into your vegetables. If you must use chemicals, try to find ones that are the least toxic, and read warning labels carefully.