Gibson Sotheby's International Realty
Dee Higgins, Gibson Sotheby's International RealtyPhone: (508) 221-8599
Email: [email protected]

Simple solutions for natural garden pest control

by Dee Higgins 11/20/2023

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

Dee Higgins

As a native of Cape Cod, having grown up on its beaches, attended its schools and lived here all my life, I have an extreme appreciation and enthusiasm for this special part of the world. With my strong local perspective I bring extensive knowledge of the area, its values, schools and architecture. As part of a large family growing up, my well honed negotiating skills developed early! I pride myself on the values of honesty, integrity and hard work and I am committed to providing my clients and customers with extraordinary satisfaction in every transaction. As a Top Producing Cape Cod REALTOR® and Gibson SIR Brewster Office’s # 1 Agent in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023, I have successfully assisted Buyers and Sellers since 2006 with 273+ property sales. Take advantage of my local knowledge and experience and let me help you achieve your goals!