Try Safer Pest Control

Summer's here, and the weekends for many involve gardening tools and green thumbs. But this summer, consider greening your garden in more ways than one. When trying to eliminate pests in your garden and around your home, use product alternatives that are safe for the environment and for you.

Several safe alternatives are available to keep pests from eating your plants and invading your home. One important fact to remember before you even start is that some insects are beneficial and naturally reduce pest populations. Ladybirds, dragonflies and bees are helpful, as are spiders and frogs.

Another natural way of defending your garden from pests is by choosing plants that will naturally combat pests. Herbs such as chives, basil and garlic are good choices. Usually, any herb or spice that has a strong smell, such as lavender or peppermint, will serve as a nontoxic substitute to fend off unwanted bugs. In addition, some flowers, such as marigolds, mixed into the garden will not only add colour but also naturally aid in controlling pests.

Still having problems with pests on your plants? For use on indoor and outdoor plants, mix in a spray bottle 2 tablespoons of liquid soap or 2 ounces of dry soap in one quart of water. Squirt the mixture on foliage to discourage hungry pests.

Use compost to help green your garden. Compost conditions the soil and discourages weed growth. It helps loosen clay soils and assists sandy soils in retaining water. Organic material is good, natural food for your lawn.

Spraying vinegar on the leaves of larger weeds during hot sunny days should kill the weeds within a couple of weeks. Adding salt or lemon juice to the vinegar can help, too. Be careful to contain your spray to only the unwanted weeds.

One of the best ways to win the battle against weeds is to get them pulled before they even get started. Pull the flowers off weeds or clip seed heads and throw them away before the seeds are scattered across your yard or garden. For problem weeds peeking out from cracks in concrete, clip them and pour boiling water over the remainder.

Flies pestering you? Make fly strips by spreading honey on yellow paper. For pesky ants, soak cotton balls in a syrupy mixture of 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon borax and 2 tablespoons water. Place them on a jar lid in the middle of ant infestations. Wear gloves and keep the cotton balls away from children and pets because borax is not completely nontoxic and should be used with care.

Using safe alternatives to control pests around your home is a good choice. Doing so is often a money-saver, and it will help keep your little piece of the environment nice.

SDA Pest Control, "Long Acre", Bluntisham Road, Needingworth, St. Ives, Cambridgeshire