11 Tricks to Make Pests Work For Your Garden, Not Against It

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For many, gardening is a constant battle against pests, with the majority reaching for sprays and traps to save their plants. But what if you could flip the script, and call in the very pests as allies? Interestingly, many insects help keep a healthy ecosystem of a garden, if we let them. The trick is to understand how they behave, and create an environment in which they will work for you and not against you.

When we learn to respect nature’s complexity, we can cut down on the need for chemical solutions and encourage a healthier, more balanced garden. Here’s how to make pests your partners.

Encourage Predatory Insects

Not all bugs are bad news. In fact aphids, caterpillars and other garden pests have natural born predators like ladybugs, lacewings and ground beetles, to name a few. Create a habitat they’ll love planting flowers like dill, fennel or daisies. Pollen rich plants are especially attractive to ladybugs, so your flower bed should be seen as a buffet for your new allies.

Create Bug Hotels

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There’s no denying that building insect hotels is a trend, but it’s also a clever way to keep pests working for you. The DIY structures provide a home for good bugs, such as solitary bees, which pollinate your plants, and predatory wasps, which eat bad bugs. Build a pile of hollow sticks, pine cones and wood scrap in a sheltered corner and wait for your garden to get guests.

Plant Decoys

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Sounds dramatic, but it’s a genius move. Certain plants are preferred by certain pest over your prized crops. Plant nasturtiums or radishes near your vegetable garden as decoys to divert pests away from your vegetables and flowers. It’s like creating a VIP pest section away from your main attractions.

Introduce Nematodes

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Nematodes are microscopic worms that might sound creepy, but they’re some unsung heroes in the world of pest control. These tiny creatures kill soil pest like grubs or root weevils without harming beneficial organisms. According to one study from the Oregon State University, some nematode species reduce crop damage. Talk about small but mighty.

Use Companion Planting

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Companion planting is like matchmaking for your garden. Some plant combinations naturally repel pests, attract helpful insects. Marigolds for example will dissuade nematodes, and lavender will keep mosquitos and moths away. No pairing is better for your kitchen, or your garden.

Let Birds Lend a Wing

Birds are not just nice to watch, they’re pest munching machines. Along the side of the house or in your backyard, set up some birdhouses or feeders and plant berry producing shrubs to attract feathered friends. Just one chickadee, for example, can consume hundreds of aphids a day; there you go, you’ve got your garden’s secret weapon.

Encourage Spiders

Arachnophobes, hear me out: spiders are good pest control. Their webs trap flies, beetles and moths, helping to keep pest numbers down without any extra work on your part. Leave webs alone in your garden; they’re free pest patrol.

Mulch Smartly

Mulching conserves moisture and regulates soil temperature, but it also deters pests. An example of natural oils that repel ants and cockroaches are the ones from cedar or cypress mulch. Moreover, it helps to keep the soil healthy which is what your plants need to thrive.

Attract Frogs and Toads

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Garden pests are good snacks for frogs and toads. To get them to come in, try a shallow water source and shady spots for them to lay in during the day. These bug eating guests might even make you feel like you are hosting your own garden party.

Sticky Traps Should Be Used Strategically

Instead of eradicating the pests, sticky traps are really good for monitoring pest populations. Put them near the plants you want to keep an eye on to know what’s buzzing around. That way, you’ll know exactly what type of pests you’re dealing with and will be able to change your strategy to accommodate them.

Encourage Pollinators

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Not only are bees and butterflies beautiful visitors, but they also make your garden more productive. Planting pollinator friendly flowers will attract these helpful insects, who will compete with harmful pests for resources. Bonus: It will also make your garden look gorgeous.

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