The Bugs Are Taking Over

By Bob Fitzsimmons
"The bugs are taking over my yard and garden, quick let’s spray something!"

Do you or your neighbors have issues with insects that seem to have moved into your tranquil home or back yard garden? Remember that they were here first and that you are really the human invader that has taken over their habitat.

All God’s creatures -- large and small -- have a place on this planet and have a definite purpose. Insects are nature’s police force that moves in and takes out the sick, stressed, and inferior plants. Many insects act as pollinators or are a food source for a higher animal up the food chain. Most insects should be tolerated and left alone until their populations have exploded or they have decided to make a nest in your favorite easy chair. Then you must act.

The lowest toxicity, least-polluting solution should be used as the first line of defense when it comes to dealing with an out of control insect population. Examples of low-toxicity controls are:

• Spray with strong jets of water that knock off and drown soft body insects
• Spray with soapy water or Safer Soap which suffocates many small pests
• Spray with horticultural oil or Neem Oil to suffocate soft body pests
• Spray garlic pepper teas that chases them away
• Release beneficial insects (Lady Bugs, Green Lacewings, Beneficial Nematodes)
• Plant companion plants that repel the pests or attract beneficial insects
• Mulch with cedar which contains oils that insects hate
• Use 100% organic products like Diatomaceous Earth, Pyrethrum, Citrus Oil, and BT.

 Remember that if you want to enjoy a variety of bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife in your landscape, you must garden organically. Beneficial insects are also affected by natural sprays. Use all products with discretion. Don’t be fooled by slick, expensive advertising that promises a miracle cure for insect problems ‘if you only use this man-made chemical.’ We are dedicated to educating all of our customers on the use of Earth-friendly, low-toxicity products and practices.

If bugs are taking over, ask us to help….naturally!