Simple solutions for natural garden pest control

by Josh Coates 08/31/2023

Some of the best garden pest control solutions can be found in the garden itself. There are many plants with natural pest control properties, and beneficial insects to keep away the bad bugs.

If you’re interested in sustainable and environmentally friendly pest control for your garden, consider these options:

Pest-repelling plants

By planting the right combination of plants, you can let your garden do the pest control for you. Many plants have natural pest-repellent properties, while others can serve as decoy plants to draw bugs away from more vulnerable plants.

Some of the most popular bug-busting plants to include in your garden are:

  • Catnip
  • Mint
  • Nasturtium
  • Dill
  • Marigolds
  • Rosemary
  • Lavender

These plants keep away garden pests like aphids, beetles, caterpillars, shield bugs and whiteflies. As a bonus, plants like marigolds and lavender also repel mosquitos. Consider planting these herbs and flowers around garden edges or anywhere else in your yard for natural pest control.

Beneficial bugs

Not all garden bugs are bad. In fact, there are many beneficial insects you want in your garden to keep the plants and soil healthy. Introducing natural predators to feast on garden pests is an excellent natural pest control method, and some of the best bugs for the job include:

  • Ladybugs eat soft-bodied garden pests like aphids.
  • Lacewings eat aphids, caterpillars, thrips, whiteflies, leafhoppers and scales.
  • Spiders are natural predators in the garden and protect your plants from myriad pests including spider mites, aphids, caterpillar beetles and whiteflies.

Pest control is a key to healthy plants, but most garden pests can be controlled by the garden and its natural denizens. Knowing which plants and which insects are allies in your pest control endeavors will help you maintain a healthy garden without synthetic sprays or pesticides.

About the Author
Author

Josh Coates

 

Hello, I'm Joshua Coates, your dedicated Realtor®.

Specializing in EUGENE and PORTLAND real estate markets!

As a buyer or a seller, you want your real estate transactions to go smoothly. That means finding the exact home you're looking for, or selling your home promptly and for the best price. That's where I come in. The agent you choose will help you make many important decisions and no one will work harder or more professionally.