What is the best type of pest control that does not involve pesticides?

Answer 1

I always keep empty egg shells, wash them then dry them in an oven. I then crush them and place them around precious plants, slugs, snails, etc will not slither over them.

Answer 2

Prevention- prevent from attracting or providing an environment the pests like. keep an eye on your plants so you can catch bugs on your plants and do something before they become a problem!

Cultural- clean off equipment used (mowers, pruners, etc), do not overwater plants, give the proper amount of fertilizer, etc.

Biological- let mother natures army help you out! If you see bugs with things eating them, do not spray a pesticide, you'll only kill off the good guys!

Mechanical- cut or prune plants correctly, hand remove pests when feasible.

It all depends on your situation and what you are trying to do. What pest are you trying to keep under control? On what type of plant? These are key components to a good IPM (integrated pest management) system which will help in all situations.

Answer 3

Diatomaceous earth. It's a white fossil material, a light powder. You can eat the stuff, and it is used for grease filters in restaurants so cooking oil can be used as long as possible. But, when insects hit it, the stuff scratches little holes in their little bodies, and they dry out.

Oh, yeah, I forgot, it is authorized for mixing with certain grains where any toxic material would be unacceptable because final use is human consumption.

For really mean bugs, such as fire ants or scorpions, they add a chemical made from mums, that really knocks them down fast, but thern it isn't rated for human consumption any more.

There are many other tips, but this is one I have personally used with some success. I assume you can find more information for yourself.

Shipping for the pure stuff is more than the cost of the material, it is not really expensive. One can shake it around, or mix it with water and a drop of dish soap, and spray it around. I use a large backpack sprayer such as they use for deadly poisions on the avocado trees here in Mexico, and a cup properly diluted will do most of the house.

There is a distributor in Amarillo where my daughter lives, about a mile away, so I just drive to his house and pick up what I want.

I think I read somewhere that the stuff will irritate some people's eyes, just as any powder might, but it is purely mechanical, and no need to get it in your eyes.

Answer 4

What kind of critter are you trying to control? Pyrethrins, a derivative of the chrysanthemum plant, are a good organic pest control. Using lady bugs, praying mantises and other natural pest controls will help outdoors for aphids and such. Nematodes will help with some plants. If it has to do with plants, your county extension service is very helpful. They can help with household pests too. Also any good sized private nursery is a good resource.

Answer 5

For roaches put a jar of water outside and you will find it full in the morning

For ants put mint plants outside around the house

There are alot of spices that deter pests but don't remember them. Bet you could google it

Answer 6

if your talking about pest control for a garden , put crushed red pepper in a spray bottle with water, shake it up and spray on the plants. it wont hurt the plants or flowers and the bugs hate it.

Answer 7

Ok!! I know this one for a FACT. Go to the laundry detergent aisle of your local supermarket and find powdered BORAX. It's for whitening whites.
Our vet said to sprinkle it generously all over the carpets and let set for 24 hours then vacuum. It is great for getting rid of fleas roaches and ants also spiders.

Answer 8

Shoes.

Answer 9

cedar is good for some insects and it smells good