Let's first of all think of the question, Why is Roundup, or any other pesticide, bad for our health? To answer that, we have to look at the main ingredients in these poison sprays. As the list of commonly used pesticides is so long, I encourage you to check the toxicity of your commercial pesticides here.
It should be known, not all bugs are bad. This might be a lot to digest for those with insectophobia, but it's true. Some insect problems can be cured with other insects! I'm only going to list a very few of the common garden pests with a few natural cures. If you feel so inspired to add to this list, please share your knowledge and comment.
Got Aphid Problems?
- If you have an aphid problem, it can be cured by ladybugs! You can mail order ladybugs online from Amazon to The Home Depot.
- Pure Neem Oil applied to the affected plant will repel aphids. You can buy Neem oil in most stores.
- You can make homemade lemon spray that kills aphids on contact. Grate the rind of a large lemon, than boil it in enough water to fill a garden spray bottle. Let this mixture sit overnight, than in the morning drain the liquid into the spray bottle.
- Homemade vinegar spray applied directly to plants will kill Aphids on contact. All you have to do is combine 1/3 part vinegar and the rest water in a spray bottle, but before you start spraying you should know that some plants react badly to vinegar.
Have Potato Bugs?
- You can buy a relatively safe spray at Johnny's Seeds.
- If you have Guinea hens potato bugs really won't be a big problem.
- Pure Neem oil sprayed on will work, as will diluted dish soap.
Slug Problems?
- Diatomaceous Earth is effective in repelling slugs. (Buy natural or agricultural grade, pool grade has smoother edges and is less effective.)
- Just adjusting your watering schedule so you water in the morning instead of at night, when slugs are most active, can work wonders.
- Mulching your garden with whole seaweed, not only is fantastic nutrients for your garden, but is also a great slug repellent.
- Copper, will give the slugs a slight electric shock when it's touched. Copper bands can be put around flower pots, or small strips around a plant's stem.
- Save your coffee grinds when your finished your (organic) cup of coffee and sprinkle it in your garden, for a economical slug repellent.
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