Keeping pests out of your yard doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, you can manage pesky bugs and critters organically using simple and affordable methods with materials you most likely already have in your home. Here’s a great guide guide to try organic pest management on your own on a budget.
1. Know Your Pests
Before you start trying any of these methods, it’s important to identify the type of pests causing problems to your yard. Whether it’s aphids, ants, or grubs, understanding which ones you’re dealing with helps you choose the most effective solution. Keep in mind, not all bugs are bad—such as, ladybugs and earthworms can actually be some of the best allies you can have in your yard.
2. Use DIY Soap Sprays
Soap sprays are an easy, inexpensive way to combat pests like aphids, mites, and whiteflies. Follow this simple 2 ingredient recipe to make one:
- Mix 1-2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap (unscented) with a quart of water.
- Island Cuts Lawn Service finds that Dawn works best and is the most easily available.
- Pour it into a spray bottle and mist affected plants.
The soap suffocates the pests without harming any of your plants or the beneficial insects. Be sure to avoid any scented or antibacterial soaps. These contain harmful chemicals and alcohol based ingredients which can burn plant leaves and harm any helpful microorganisms in your soil.
3. Attract Beneficial Insects
Encourage natural pest predators to visit your yard by planting some of the following flowers:
- Marigolds: Bees love these flowers for their nectar and Ladybugs feast on the aphids and other soft bodied insects that are attracted to their strong scent.
- Sunflowers: These flowers offer a large “landing pad” for the bigger beneficial insects. Butterflies are attracted to its nectar and help with the pollination process in your plants. Although butterflies don’t directly impact the pest population, they attract the predators to the pests (such as birds).
- Lavender: These flowers are known to have a strong fragrant oil that makes it irresistible to helpful insects such as those mentioned above like Bees and Butterflies.
4. Try Homemade Traps
Depending on the type of pests you’re trying to exterminate, you can build small homemade traps to leave around your yard.
- For Grubs and Snails: Place shallow bowls of beer around your yard. Slugs are attracted to the yeast that is in the beer and will drown in the liquid.
- For Fruit Flies: Fill a jar with apple cider vinegar and a drop of dish soap(dawn works for this as well), then cover it with plastic wrap and poke small holes in the top. The apple cider vinegar will attract fruit flies due to the strong odor and the dish soap helps ensure they sink.
5. Use Natural Deterrents
Did you know that certain ingredients can naturally keep pests away from your yard?
- Garlic Spray: To fill a standard 16 oz. bottle combine 4 peeled garlic cloves. blend with 1/2 cup of water until smooth. The longer you steep the mixture the more potent it becomes. Strain through a coffee filter to remove the larger pieces that may get stuck in the nozzle. After adding solution to the spray bottle fill the remaining space with water. Then Spray this mixture around your yard to deter bugs.
- Coffee Grounds: You can also sprinkle used coffee grounds around plants to repel ants, slugs, and snails. This also is a great way to boost nitrogen rich organic matter to your soil too.
6. Keep Your Yard Clean
Pests love clutter, If you have a pile of leaves in your yard chances are there might be a pest or 2 making themselves at home. Regularly remove debris, weeds, and fallen leaves to eliminate the chance of pests gaining hiding spots. If your debris removal becomes too much, Island Cuts Lawn Service offers this as a standalone service. Whether you require this to be a one time job or have us out on a recurring basis, we are happy to accommodate either one.
7. Companion Planting
Pairing certain plants together to naturally repel pest provides a natural border around precious flower beds and plants. For example, plant basil near tomatoes to deter flies or planting flowers such as marigolds or lavender near your lawn can deter insects like mosquitoes and aphids, reducing the need for further yard intervention.
Using some of these budget-friendly tips, can help you manage pests organically without breaking the bank. Your yard will stay healthy and safe from harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your children, pets and plants. You’re also creating a eco-friendly space that supports all the beneficial insects and plants in your yard. If pest management all becomes to much of a burden just remember that Island Cuts Lawn Service prides itself in offering organic pest control. Don’t hesitate to call, text or fill out our online form for a no obligation quote today!