Enewsletter

Summertime activities are best enjoyed in nature; however, there are some members of the natural world that we can't get along with no matter how hard we try. When mosquitoes, aphids or mice come into conflict with humans, many people automatically reach for toxic chemical solutions. Unfortunately, poisons, pesticides and herbicides are indiscriminate and can harm or kill desirable wildlife as well, not to mention the effects on you and your family.

What's an environmentally conscious person to do? You don't have to suffer with pests or harm the environment trying to get rid of them. Here are some eco-friendly suggestions to keep those unwanted visitors away.

Use Natural Insect Repellants
Essential oils derived from plants can be used as natural repellants against pesky insects. Look for lemongrass, cedar and eucalyptus to provide protection from a range of pests including mosquitoes, ants and fleas. Repellants using natural sources usually need to be reapplied more often than their toxic counterparts. Essential oils are safe to use on your skin, and many of them can also be applied to pets and pet bedding; however, it's best to read the label of your product for appropriate use.

Attract Beneficial Insects and Their Relatives
Not all insects are pests in the garden; many will prey on the bugs that damage your plants. The best way to invite beneficial insects and their relatives (e.g., spiders) to your garden is to include a variety of native plants including grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees. You can also purchase live specimens or eggs of many friendly species. Some of a gardener's best friends include:

• Ladybugs - excellent predators of aphids, spider mites and other tiny pests;
• Rove beetles - swift moving soil dwellers that prey on root maggots and insect eggs;
• Ground beetles - eat grubs, insect pupae, cabbage maggots and some beetles;
• Bees and butterflies - valuable pollinators.

Try Solar-powered Repellants
Solar-powered pest control products are a relatively new green product on the market. Solar panels on the top of the unit collect energy from the sun while the spike is buried underground. The device periodically shakes, sending vibrations through the ground to disturb and frighten animals; different models are available to repel varying sizes of creatures. Don't forget to consider your entire garden ecosystem before installing these: many gardeners are happy to see snakes in the garden, as they are natural predators of the smaller mammals that cause the most damage.

Deter Mammals From Moving In
Block off access spaces under decks or sheds to prevent animals such as skunks from setting up their dens. Placing some "smelly" clothing among plants that are being eaten might also encourage unwanted wildlife like raccoons to move along.

If a mammal problem gets out of control, you may consider a live trap and release method to deal with these pests on your property. Specially designed no-kill traps for different sizes of animals are available to safely capture the unwanted creature for relocation to a wild area. Before relocating animals, consider that they may experience great distress when trapped; moving a parent may leave abandoned babies in the area; and laws govern the relocation of some species. If you decide to proceed, the chosen area for release should contain plenty of food and water sources, as well as options for shelter. Releasing them earlier in the day also helps to ensure their survival. Many communities have wildlife rehabilitation centres with trained staff who can help rescue and rehabilitate or relocate injured, orphaned or nuisance animals. Find a wildlife centre near you.

Wash Bad Bugs Away
Aphids can often be removed from ornamental plants simply with a blast of water from the hose. To control larger numbers of parasitic insects in the garden, Neem oil can be sprayed directly on the plant and infestation. Ordinary dish soap and water (30mL of non-detergent soap in 1L of water) also works; it should be applied and left on for up to 30 minutes before being rinsed off. This treatment can be repeated twice a week for a few weeks. For less severe pest problems, you can also pick off the offending insects by hand.

Banish Snails and Slugs
Snails and slugs can destroy delicate plants overnight. These soft-bodied pests come out after dark and wreak havoc in the garden. To control the population, a shallow dish of beer can be placed among the plants that need protection. Slugs especially love beer and will fall in and drown. Diatomaceous earth and crushed eggshells sprinkled among plants also help prevent slug and snail damage as they will not cross a barrier that will damage their soft undersides.

Attract Birds
Besides being cheerful wild neighbours, many common birds prey on pest insects. Attracting birds to your yard with hanging feeders, bird baths and nest boxes will increase its beauty while reducing the number of flying pests. Try these tips for making your backyard bird-friendly.

Mix Things Up
Healthy plants are naturally more resistant to pests. Try using organic fertilizers and compost to enrich the soil whenever possible, and mulch to reduce water loss and the need for watering. In order to reduce pest buildup, it is best to rotate your crops to a new area each year. Planting aromatic herbs and companion flowers with other plants in your garden can also act as a natural deterrent for many pesky insects. Some plants that possess the natural ability to repel insects include:

• Onions - scattered throughout the garden, they keep root maggots from travelling from plant to plant;
• Marigolds and other members of the chrysanthemum family - planted throughout the garden, they repel most insects and many weeds;
• Aromatic plants such as chives, dill, thyme, basil, oregano, and mint - attract valuable pollinators and ward off a great number pests;
• Petunias - planted next to beans repel bean pests.

Adapted from “18 Tips for Super Green Pest Control” by Gerri L Elder for WebEcoist, June 2009; with additional information from the Government of Yukon (Environment Yukon).