Alternatives to Pesticides

Alternatives to Pesticides and Chemicals

When used incorrectly, pesticides can pollute water. They also kill beneficial as well as harmful insects. Natural alternatives prevent both of these events from occurring and save you money. Consider using natural alternatives for chemical pesticides: Non-detergent insecticidal soaps, garlic, hot pepper sprays, 1 teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water, used dishwater, or forceful stream of water to dislodge insects.

Also consider using plants that naturally repel insects. These plants have their own chemical defense systems, and when planted among flowers and vegetables, they help keep unwanted insects away. The table below contains a partial list of nature's alternatives.

Pest

Plant Repellent

Ant

mint, tansy, pennyroyal

Aphids

mint, garlic, chives, coriander, anise

Bean Leaf Beetle

potato, onion, turnip

Codling Moth

common oleander

Colorado Potato Bug

green beans, coriander, nasturtium

Cucumber Beetle

radish, tansy

Flea Beetle

garlic, onion, mint

Imported Cabbage Worm

mint, sage, rosemary, hyssop

Japanese Beetle

garlic, larkspur, tansy, rue, geranium

Leaf Hopper

geranium, petunia

Mexican Bean Beetle

potato, onion, garlic, radish, petunia, marigolds

Mice

onion

Root Knot Nematodes

French marigolds

Slugs

prostrate rosemary, wormwood

Spider Mites

onion, garlic, cloves, chives

Squash Bug

radish, marigolds, tansy, nasturtium

Stink Bug

radish

Thrips

marigolds

Tomato Hornworm

marigolds, sage, borage

Whitefly

marigolds, nasturtium