Natural Pest Control

Natural form of pest control are:

B.T.K. (Bacillus thuringiensis Kurstaki)

Can be used to control cabbage worms, leafrollers, tomato hornworms and corn borers. BT is made from naturally-occurring soil bacteria that are toxic to caterpillars and maggots. After eating leaves sprayed with BT, the caterpillars immediately stop feeding and soon die. Long-term, low-dose use (as seen in genetically modified plants like BT corn) may create resistance in insect populations. It is restricted by organic standards.

Neem Oil

comes from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). Neem trees are native to India and the oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine as an anti-fungal and antiseptic agent, as well as for pest control. Neem oil is used by some gardeners as a winter (dormant) oil. It repels many pests, and also appears to reduce the fertility and larval growth of certain pest insects. It does not affect mammals, birds or earthworms, but it does harm beneficial insects that prey on pests. Neem oil is not a registered pest control product and there are no established guidelines for its use, but there is detailed information at Greening India with Neem

Garlic Water

is a concentrated garlic extract, which can be mixed 1:20 with water and sprayed on plants as a pest repellent to deter insects and rodents. Do not use prior to or during pollination, since bees will avoid the garlic smell. Apply in early morning or evening to the point of runoff.

Hot Pepper Wax is

A liquid extract of hot peppers. The wax creates a waxy layer on foliage that repels many insects, as well as squirrels and rabbits. The wax also helps to prevent moisture loss in extreme heat, drought conditions and wind. Use at a rate of 300 ml of wax in 10 L of water. The wax remains effective for up to 3 weeks. Do not apply to roots or saturate the soil.

White Vinegar

Is used as an herbicide. Young weeds die off when sprayed with a concentration of 5-10%. A 12% solution can be sprayed directly onto to leaves of the older plants for 100% kill rate. It does not affect your crop unless you spray it on the beneficial directly.