Control Slugs

   
Control Slugs

To control slugs terrorizing your garden is quite simple. You can take your pick from a number of methods taking into consideration the amount of time and money you are willing to invest and your level of squeamishness. The simplest method (in terms of equipment used) is to gout into the garden with a pail and a pair of tongs and collect them. Since slugs are nocturnal creatures and prefer moisture, you will be able to collect more at night, after a slight drizzle. If not, then you will find them in little garden pockets where it is still shady and moist like under logs and flower pots as well as in damp leaf litter. Once the situation is under control slugs can either be fed to ducks or doused in beer. You can also use soap water in the bucket; plain water has no effect on them and the eventually crawl out. They can also be used as fish food.

Slug infestations in the garden are like balloons under water - they keep popping back up no matter how hard you try to keep them down. This is because slugs are hermaphroditic and their eggs can lie undetected for years in moist soil before hatching. Since we are unable to be rid of them completely, to control slugs by reducing their numbers is the only possible option.

You could also use iron phosphate pellets available in super markets. Sprinkle these pellets throughout your garden and you will need to wait for at least six days for it to take effect. To control slugs this way is quite effective since you don't need to go looking for them, but you should make sure to keep them away from pets and children.

Most gardeners control slugs with commercially available pesticides, but If you're worried about its effects on your edible plants and the environment, then you can practice organic way to control slugs. One is by adjusting the times you tend to water the garden. Since slugs only tend to come out mostly at night, by watering your garden in the evening you create the perfect environment for these pests to crawl about in. Water your garden in the morning and any moisture would have evaporated by the time night falls.

Use the beer trap to control slugs enmasse by filling a shallow jug with beer, burying it neck deep in the soil and covering the opening with a lid slightly wedged open with a stick so that the slugs can enter. The beer in the jug acts like a magnet and pulls the garden slugs towards and into its toxic depths where they drown. The lid is kept on in order to stop the rain from falling in and diluting the beer.

To most gardeners the control of slugs is an ongoing battle that can be won with effective slug control measures that need to be viewed more as a constant cyclical application than spot treatment for long term slug free gardening.

Aphids Control

Aphids are known by a host of names that include plant lice, greenflies, black flies and or whiteflies. Whatever name you may call them, they are universally known to be a very common pest capable of causing significant damage to plants. They are in essence sap suckers and belong to the Aphidoidea super-family. Widely believed to be a successful group of organisms, these minute creatures are the cause for many a farmers despair and frustration, regardless of geographic location although they are most common in temperate climates.

Thankfully though they have a series of natural enemies. These include lady beetles, hoverfly larvae, and types of wasps, spiders and fungi. Knowing these natural enemies does help in aphids control. However actual aphids control can be more complex and you'll need to rely on more than these pest's natural enemies.

One key element of aphids control is early detection. Therefore it is advisable to be constantly be on the lookout for warning signs of an aphid attack. For starts start looking for these pests on the underside of leaves as well as on and around tender leaves. You will probably notice a slight yellowing of tender leaves if they are under attack. The underside of leaves could also bring your attention to possible infestations. When you notice the pests on your plants the best way to deal with them is to spray a strong current of water on them and blast them off the surface of the leaves or affected areas. If water on its own doesn't seem to be doing the trick trying a mix of soap and oil mixed with insecticidal soap and horticultural oil.

If the infestation is more serious you may want to resort to buying bags of lady beetles who love to gorge on these minuscule but destructive pests. However make sure you release them on to your vegetation towards the evening when hungry birds are not likely to feed on the beetles.

Another action to engage in aphids control is the planting of other types of plants that lure aphids. Plants such as asters, mums, hollyhocks and begonias are much loved by these pests. By having these plants in close proximity to the plants you want protected you can have the aphids now attacking the luring plants instead the plants you want safe. However there is no one trusted and proven method for aphids control. This is why a combination of all or some of the methods mentioned herein is your best bet at aphids control. If you are looking are a more large scale plantation that is under an attack from these pests you may need to look at more effective methods such as chemical based pesticides. While these are not particularly environmentally friendly the extent of your plantation may dictate the type of action you need to take when considering aphids control.

Aphid Control

   
Aphid Control

Gardening is a real challenge because of the amount of work involved. Majority of the work, though, involves protecting the plants than growing them. Just like having kids, plants need to be taken care of and treated for diseases and fed and so on. They do not simply grow. Similar to kids they, too, need their regular checkups and medication so they do not get sick. Like children's viruses, plants are regularly attacked by pests, who feed on the plants, destroying them day by day.

One such pest is the aphid. Aphids are small insects that feed of plant sap, causing them to dehydrate and then eventually die. However, dehydration is not the only way it kills plants. When aphids suck the sap out of plants, they secrete a substance called honeydew. This causes fungus to grow on the plant which acts as a parasite, sharing the plants resources, killing it faster.

As a result, for most gardeners and planters, aphids can be a real problem. There are several pesticides to get maintain aphid control and get rid of the pests. However, excessive use of these chemicals are not healthy to the plants. Additionally, in the case of vegetable plants, the vegetables become almost unusable when pesticides are used. Fortunately there are other remedies that can be used for aphid control.

Using Neem oil is a good solution as it gets rid of aphids yet does not affect the growth of the plants in any way. Simply washing vegetables and fruits will wash away the oil, making them good for consumption. While maximising aphid control, the oil does not fend off insects such as bees which are useful to the growth of plants. Another method of aphid control is to trick aphids using a yellow colored glass filled with water. The yellow color will attract the aphids into the glass, drowning them instantly. Soap on the surface of the water will help reduce the surface tension of the water, so that the light insects do not float on the surface.

Using a high pressured hose can also be used for aphid control. The pressure of the water will throw the aphids of the plants. Once thrown off, the aphids are most likely not to return to the plant. This method of aphid control is safe as it does not involve any chemicals. However, it is not as efficient as other treatments. It merely delays the aphids destroying the plants.

A home remedy for aphid control is to use liquid soap such as hand-wash soap and spray the plants with the solution. This dissolves the protective coating of the aphids causing them to dry up and die. Here again, in the case of fruit or vegetable plants, they will have to be washed thoroughly before use.

Garden Weed Control

Everyone has a plant they fancy and these desirable plants occupy prime space in one's garden. Those undesirable plants, those that grow uncontrollably, those that are homes to bugs and insects are weeds. People employ different methods of garden weed control to maintain the landscape of their garden and over time an effective garden weed control program should reduce the growth of these unwelcome plants.

The first time one plants a flower bed; one would notice an increasing presence of weeds. This is so because the now fertile soil conditions provide optimal conditions for weed seeds under the soil surface to grow. One method of garden weed control requires initial precautionary measures. Before one begins to plant seeds it is important to clear out the soil. After soil preparation allow one or two weeks to pass before planting seeds. This allows the weed seeds to germinate and raking eliminates these. It is important to not rake too deep for this allows dormant weed seeds deep in the soil to germinate. This method of garden weed control nips the growth of weeds in the bud before it is allowed to grow and become an unsightly problem. A further way of garden weed control is when planting a fresh flower bed it is important not to disturb the soil too much. This is again to prevent inactive weed seeds under the soil from germinating.

Another means of garden weed control is mulching. Once a flower bed is planted, one can apply organic mulch between the flowers. Make sure the soil is covered entirely but also that the mulch does not touch the stems of your plants. Organic mulch is not only a method of garden weed control but is also useful as it helps keep an optimum soil temperature and also for it lessens the water requirement of the soil.

Garden weed control requires one to be attentive to one's garden and to the growth of new weeds. A watchful eye would tell one when a weed is emerging and here it is best to immediately remove the weed by the root. A stirrup hoe or a circle hoe can help one in picking out these weeds.

However in spite of all the measures taken for garden weed control, some perennial weeds may still appear in your flower beds. For such perennial weeds, one can adopt the garden weed control method of spot treatment with herbicide. Follow instructions that come on the herbicide bottle. If one has a crowded flowerbed, use a shield such as a trash can lid to protect one's flowers. Also when purchasing an herbicide, it is important to verify if the herbicide will be effective to the weeds in one's garden.

Garden weed control methods can be effective if one is vigilant and has a watchful eye to the growth of weeds in one's garden. This ensures weeds are not allowed to grow.

Organic Pesticide

Some farmers nowadays try to use an organic pesticide instead of a synthetic one. Many 'green groups' are pleased with this trend. It is apparent that people are becoming more conscious of the impact that their actions leave on their environment. This has lead to a situation where many have opted for what they believe to be the more environmentally-friendly choice. Recent research however, has shown that an organic pesticide is not always the more environmentally-friendly choice. The topic is therefore, quite a controversial one.An organic pesticide could be made with use of things that we use fairly commonly.

If you do know something about these pesticides you may have heard of insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, sabadilla and potassium bicarbonate. Some of these chemicals and powders can be used to create an organic pesticide There are many advantages of using such pesticides. You must however, keep in mind that, there are also certain disadvantages of using such insect repellents. Usually an organic pesticide will not protect plants from insects
for a long time and should be applied fairly constantly. Many synthetic pesticides provide protection to plants for a longer duration. The former usually takes a longer period of time to activate.You can save the money that you spend on synthetic pesticides by making an organic pesticide at home. You don't need anything special to create most such pesticides. Alcohol, soap, garlic, salt and flour could be used in some cases.
You might be interested (and a trifle disgusted) to know that you can use dead bugs to create an organic pesticide. You must be careful however, not to use mosquitoes, flies and some other insects. Otherwise you may end up getting sick yourself! 

Therefore before you try to create your own pesticides at home, make sure that you have a sufficient understanding of them.Many campaigners are unaware that an organic pesticide could be as harmful as a synthetic one in certain cases. This might be a nasty surprise for some who have promoted these pesticides. This is one other reason that you must get an understanding of these pesticides. Find out the more environmentally-friendly ones and use them. Make sure that you get the quantity right. By spraying an organic pesticide at the correct time you can minimize the damage caused to the environment. For example pesticides like rotenone should be applied during the evening, at the time when bees are not very active, in order to minimize damage caused to them by the pesticide.

Some 'green trends' that were initiated with noble intentions turned out to be more harmful than the 'illness that they were supposed to heal.' Organic pesticides could suffer the same fate. More awareness of proper use of such pesticides could address this problem. In the future the damage caused to the environment by pesticides could be minimized through such prudent action. This requires the participation of everyone….. including you.

Garden Pests

A pest is defined as a living organism which causes damage directly or indirectly to crop plants domesticated animals or humans. Garden pests are organisms which are actively causing damage to flora in gardens. They do so by employing a variety of methods and the damage they cause may not always be apparent. Some pests such as caterpillars and leaf miners defoliate gardens by feeding on the leaves and stems of garden plants and leaving behind skeletonized remains. Insects like aphids and whiteflies suck plant juices and leave behind withered stems and trunks. Some garden pests transmit plant viruses and other disease causing pathogens to their host while feeding on it. Such plants experience growth deterioration and are likely to die. Mollusks, birds, rodents and even larger mammals are identified as garden pests when they cause damage to your garden. However in most cases insects are the primary type of garden pests and the damage they cause is often extensive owing to their rapid growth and reproduction rates. If not monitored and controlled insect pest populations can increase dramatically over a short period and can cause irreversible damage to your garden. Early detection and control are the best ways to prevent and counteract the activity of garden pests.

There are a number of ways to control garden pests. The most effective methods are chemical and biological control methods. The first step in keeping your yard and garden free of pests is to keep it clean. Weeds, pet droppings, rotting leaves are among the living and breeding grounds of some of the common pests. By removing the debris from your garden, you eliminate one more attraction for pests. Biological control methods are an environmentally sound way of controlling garden pests and there are simple approaches to this type of pest control. Plants like basil, garlic, rosemary and nasturtium are known to deter a wide variety of garden pests. These plants can be strategically planted near flowerbeds and fruit trees to deter specific garden pests. Another effective method is introducing natural predators of garden pests to your garden. Ladybirds, mantises, toads and birds are natural predators of insect pests and you can make your garden a hospitable environment for these biological control agents. Ladybirds and praying mantis eggs are commercially available but you should gradually introduce them or risk another population crisis. Birdhouses and birdbaths will attract martins, bluebirds, sparrows and other birds whose diet consist mainly of insects. Learn which birds consume which insects since some birds will consume beneficial insects as well.

Chemical control methods involve the use of pesticides and fungicides. When used properly these do a very good job of protecting plants against pests and fungi, however due to their toxicity they also carry the potential to harm people, pets and other beneficial organisms in your garden. It is important to be aware of the target pest and select the appropriate pesticide and apply it at the right time in the correct quantity avoid unwanted damage. Speak to a gardening or pest control expert and acquire assistance when searching for the correct pesticide for your garden pest problem.

The concept of integrated pest management (IPM) has proven to be a useful, efficient and environmentally sound method of pest control. This method aims to manage pests and not eradicate them as it realizes that control methods may also harm potentially beneficial organisms in the environment. Furthermore totally eliminating the pest can cause disruptions in the food web of an ecosystem and can damage the ecosystem. Consult an IPM expert before introducing these methods to your garden.

Garden pests are unavoidable in most cases and they maybe present regardless of the measures taken to eliminate them. It is important to realize that only with proper control and management can you minimize the damage caused by them and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Garden Pest Control

Garden Pest Control entails the regulation and control of pests, which is a type of species that are damaging to plants. Garden pests diminish the quality and look of plants, bring a bad appearance to the garden overall. The types of garden pests are extensive; bring forth a need for numerous ways to control them all. Thus, garden pest control, too, is a vast and immense topic.

The first method of garden pest control is prevention. Prevention of pests should be a precaution taken by any gardener in relation to successful garden pest control. Keeping pests out is the most effective and easy method of pest control. There are a number of ways of preventing insect damage in the garden. One such technique is the removal of weak plants; they tend to attract pests and thus are best disposed of. Establishment of natural and healthy soil supports the growth of strong plants, making them less vulnerable to pests. Removal and destruction of weeds, which induce the breeding of pests, is a traditional and effective means of pest prevention. Another traditional pest prevention technique is to mix plants; since insects are attracted to certain plants, the mixing of crops can reduce the probability of pests spreading throughout crops.

Sometimes, efforts in preventing the trouble of garden pests are unsuccessful. When this occurs, it is time to move into other methods of garden pest control. This involves the destruction, removal and elimination of garden pests and ways of saving plants. Biological pest control is a main technique in garden pest control. This entails the manipulation of natural parasites in order to control a certain species of pest. Pests can also be exterminated by the destruction of their breeding ground. Usually, this would involve burning the particular breeding area of the pest in order to kill it. Yet another commonly used pest control technique is poison spray. Spray that is fatal to the particular pest is sprayed on the crops in order to prevent the spread of the pest or to eliminate the pest. There are many types of sprays, specific to various pests. Traps are also used in garden pest control and there are many kinds of traps. Fly-paper, pheromones, floating row covers are a few such traps.

It is necessary to mention that methods of garden pest control sometimes may bring negative and undesirable results. For example, poison spray may unexpectedly make crops unhealthy or in the worst cases, kill them. Insecticides can increase the acidity of soil dangerously, making the soil unsuitable for plant growth. Crops grown in such circumstances may be harmful to people, if consumed. Hence, necessary precautions should be taken when dealing with garden pests in order to avoid dire consequences.