Unfortunately, summer also comes with plenty of unwelcome guests.
The bad news is, most home remedies arent effective.
To save you the trouble, we asked three gardening experts to share the DIY pest control methods theyactuallyrecommend.
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Read on to find out their tried-and-tested remedies.
Pesticide utility is always the last resort for my plants, she says.
You could even include a pest walk in your morning routine and handpick any bugs you find.
The healthier the plant, the likelier it is to survive a pest attack.
These tasks not only promote a healthy garden, they also help reduce insect populations.
Want more gardening tips?
One thing to remember is that some scents work better with certain pests.
For instance, basil is more effective at repelling flies, potato bugs, and mosquitos.
Conversely, the scent of garlic wards off pests like aphids and Japanese beetles.
This is a great way to treat very small amounts of aphids on your plants, she says.
Leave the mixture to dry on the plants and apply every 1-2 days until the insect populations disappear.
Warning
Sensitive plants can react negatively to alcohol and soap.
Snails slide in, drink a bit, and don’t come out, he explains.
Empty and refill every few days to keep the beer appetizing.
Plus, food-grade DE is safe for humans, pets, and the planet.
The Best of Enemies: A Brief Guide to Companion Planting - Part 2.The University of Arizona.
Using Home Remedies to Control Garden Pests.
Oregon State University Extension Service.
Attractiveness of Beer and Fermentation Products to the Gray Garden Slug, Agriolimaxreficulafum.Colorado State University.
Diatomaceous Earth for Pest Control.University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
