No gardener wants to see their plants destroyed by pests, but using pesticides can harm beneficial pollinators. I’ve always been cautious about using chemicals in my vegetable garden to control pests. Providing my family with clean, mostly chemical-free food has always been a priority. When I became a beekeeper, finding pest control methods that were safe for both humans and pollinators became even more important.
To maintain a healthy garden, it’s wise to use non-chemical pest control, especially in areas where food is grown. Even ornamental gardens matter when considering pollinator health. Insects can find food in flower beds and then move on to damage fruit trees. Unfortunately, using pesticides on flowering plants can quickly reduce the population of pollinators, which negatively impacts both ornamental and edible plants.
I’ve gathered some effective pest control methods that won’t harm your local pollinators. A holistic approach, combining two or more of these methods, will help minimize pests while supporting a healthy pollinator population.
Plant Natural Repellents
Adding certain plants to your garden can also help keep pests away. Many herbs and flowers naturally repel insects, and some even provide food for pollinators. For example, bees are drawn to the blue and purple flowers of basil and hyssop, which also act as repellents. Other effective plants include marigolds, catmint, lavender, chrysanthemums, and alliums. Garlic and onion can also help deter pests in vegetable gardens.
Use Necessary Oils
Some plants’ essential oils can effectively repel pests and even protect against mold, fungus, and mildew. Using these oils allows you to target specific areas where pests are a problem. This method is often more precise and effective than companion planting. Some oils also repel insects that pose risks to pets and humans.
Here are some essential oils and the pests they repel:
Thyme: Rabbits, ants, bugs, roaches, earworms, maggots, hornworms, whiteflies.
Geranium: Aphids, beetles, earworms, cabbage worms, mosquitoes, leafhoppers.
Basil: Mosquitoes, flies, whiteflies, asparagus beetles, thrips, tomato hornworms.
Lavender: Mosquitoes, bugs, fleas, ticks.
Pine: Roaches, flies, wasps, ticks, mosquitoes, ants.
Vetiver: Mosquitoes, termites, ants, ticks, roaches, wasps, beetles, bugs; also antibacterial and antifungal.
Bergamot: Rats, mosquitoes, fleas, ants, lice.
Lemongrass: Mosquitoes, ants, flies, wasps, roaches, spiders, mice, rats, lizards, snakes, ticks.
Peppermint: Aphids, beetles, caterpillars, fleas, bugs, lice, spiders, roaches, ants, mosquitoes, mice.
Tea Tree: Ants, lice, spiders, flies, mites, mice; also antimicrobial and antifungal.
Eucalyptus: Mosquitoes, whiteflies, termites, ticks, midges, sandflies, fleas.
Lemon Eucalyptus: Mosquitoes, flies, ticks.
Orange: Roaches, mites, wasps, spiders, flies, ants, crickets.
Interestingly, some essential oils are safe for bees and other pollinators but may repel some butterflies. High-quality oils are essential for effectiveness. For example, thyme oil can even kill the harmful varroa mite in beehives while still being safe for bees.
To use essential oils in your garden, make a spray by adding 10 to 15 drops of oil to a gallon of water or water mixed with white vinegar.
Use Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds can be a multipurpose tool in the garden. While they are often used as a fertilizer when added to compost, they also serve as a pest deterrent. If you drink coffee, these are free and readily available!
Sprinkle a small amount of used coffee grounds around the base of vulnerable plants. Coffee grounds add nitrogen to the soil and repel pests like slugs, snails, ants, and beetles due to compounds that are toxic to these insects and also have deodorizing properties.
Utilize Common Household Items
Besides coffee and essential oils, other household items can help repel garden pests. Here are some items you may already have at home:
Vegetable Oil and Castile Soap: Make a solution with one cup of soap and one cup of oil. Mix one tablespoon of this concentrate with four cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on soft-bodied pests like aphids and mites. Be sure to make a fresh batch each time to prevent mold growth. Avoid spraying when pollinators are active.
Garlic Spray: Crush a few cloves of garlic in any cooking oil and let it infuse overnight. Strain the garlic, add this oil to one tablespoon of castile soap, then mix with three cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray on infested plants every few days until pests are gone.
Vinegar: Mix one part white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with three parts water and add a teaspoon of castile soap. This solution works well as an insect repellent and also as a natural weed killer.
Cayenne Pepper: Mix two tablespoons of ground cayenne pepper with three to four cups of water and a few drops of castile soap to make a spray. You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper around the garden to deter larger animals like rabbits, squirrels, and deer.
Diatomaceous Earth: While not typically found around the house, diatomaceous earth is widely available and serves as a non-chemical pesticide. Sprinkle it around your plants and water it in to kill crawling insects. Always wear protective gear to avoid inhaling the dust.
Cover Your Plants
Certain fruits, vegetables, and flowers can be more susceptible to pests. For example, squirrels might eat all your peaches just before they ripen, or insects might damage your flowers. As a beekeeper, I avoid using insecticides on flowers to protect pollinators. Instead, I use physical barriers to protect my plants.
For small to medium fruit trees, I use large mesh bags to protect the fruit. This method also helps deter squirrels. Since I started using this method, I’ve enjoyed a much better harvest.
For dahlias and other large flowers, I use small organza drawstring bags, like those used for party favors. Place a bag over each bud as soon as it appears and secure it tightly around the stem. This simple method ensures perfect flowers every time. It also works well for vegetables and small fruits, helping to keep pests away while still allowing pollinators access.
Using these pollinator-friendly pest control methods will help keep your garden healthy and thriving, ensuring a balanced ecosystem and a bountiful harvest.
