10 Pest Control Myths That Are Making Your Garden Vulnerable

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Many long for a healthy, vibrant garden, but it can be an endless battle against pests. Making matters more complicated, there’s no scarcity of myths about garden pest control and the vast majority of gardeners end up on the wrong road. From magic remedies that will do it all to ordinary garden practices that don’t really matter, these myths can leave your precious plants vulnerable and pests even worse.

No matter whether you’re planting the first seeds in your garden project or years into it, the difference between fact and fiction is essential. There are some pest control myths that can be harmless, but they could kill your garden. With that being said, let’s look into some of the most common misconceptions about pest control that you might be feeding into yourself for all the wrong reasons.

Companion Planting Solves All Pest Problems

Companion planting of purple zinnia with sun gold cherry tomatoes are a perfect combination.
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You’ve probably heard that companion planting, or placing certain plants next to each other as a way to ward off pests, is a miracle solution. Some plants do keep insects away, but it’s not a one stop solution. There is no combination of plants that will make your garden a pest free paradise. Of course, companions planting can effectively rid certain pests away, but this doesn’t take any responsibility for the rest of insects that can crawl in your garden.

Homemade Sprays Are Always Safer and No Less Effective

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Sometimes homemade pest sprays with ingredients such as of soap, vinegar, or essential oils are thought of as being safe, natural. But they’re not always so effective and can injure plants if used improperly. Despite doing your own DIY spray on minor pest issues, relying on it completely on serious infestation is similar to someone bringing a water gun to a wildfire. There is great importance in proper research and understanding when trying out homemade remedies.

Slugs and Snails Hate Coffee Grounds

Powerful Reasons Gardeners Swear by Epsom Salt
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The idea that slugs and snails can be repelled by sprinkling coffee grounds around plants is so widespread. Coffee grounds probably do some deterrent effect, but apparently, they’re not the magical slug barrier that so many proclaim. In addition, too many coffee grounds can make your soil acidic—which although not the worst thing in the world if you grow some plants—may not be ideal for all plants. However the best way to control slugs for real is to mix more than one method rather than solely using coffee grounds.

Hot Pepper Sprays Can Handle Pests

Organic Pesticides You Can Make at Home To Protect Your Plants From Pests
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We all know that plenty of gardeners use chili pepper sprays in the hopes that they will also drive away pests, under the assumption that the pests will be equally put off by the heat as we are. Spicy sprays may work on some insects, but most pests are not phased. Plus, pepper sprays can irritate your skin and your eyes, especially when you’re trying to reach for them. It’s something worth trying, but you shouldn’t count on it as the miracle cure that everyone talks about.

All Insects Are Bad for the Garden

Allowing Pests to Thrive
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We tend to think that all those bugs that are munching away in your garden are the enemy, when actually some are your garden’s best friends. Ladybugs, spiders and some beetles eat harmful pests, and help to keep things balanced. Unintentional, indiscriminate wiping out of insects can cause larger pest problems. It can often mean the difference between knowing your allies from your foes.

More Protection With More Pesticide

Organic Pesticides You Can Make at Home To Protect Your Plants From Pests
farmer spraying pesticide in the rice field

Here, it’s not wise to follow the ‘more is better’ mindset. Pesticides overkill won’t stop your pest problems, and according to Flick Pest Control, they can hurt your plants. Beneficial insects can be harmed by over use of pesticides and pests develop pest resistance. In most cases, a judiciously timed, very slight application is much more effective than spraying heavily.

Plants With Strong Smell Will Repel the Pests

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Many people believe that if a plant smells good enough, such as mint, rosemary or marigold, it will repel all kinds of pests. While some of these scents will repel some insects, they are certainly not guaranteed pest deterrents. Strong-smelling plants help a bit, but they aren’t a guarantee for your entire garden.

Unhealthy Plants Are the Only Things Pests Attack

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We think pests like to feast on weak, stressed plants. It’s true that a well maintained garden is less likely to have pest problems, but no garden is invisible to them.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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