Thursday, March 11, 2010

Safe Insecticide - Diatomaceous Earth



Diatomaceous Earth is old, even in geological terms. It is made from the ground up fossils of pre-historic aquatic animals. Think very fine sea-shells and you're on the right track. You can definitely say, then, that this is a natural insecticide. In fact it's so 'green' and 'Eco friendly' it is quite literally recycled too. To be fair, ground up dust may not sound like an effective safe insecticide but what is harmless for us, is often lethal to other forms of life.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is mined and ground up. It is sold in two forms, one of which is food grade. To deal with insects you do not need this finer product, the cheaper version will do. But, if you have pets, you may consider buying food grade DE as it can be used to eliminate parasitic worms in our pets, and even in humans too.

So, we know DE is all natural but how does it work? Well, put under a microscope the particles resemble ground glass, and to insects that is just what it is. As crawling insects move across the DE their hard exoskeleton is abraded and scratched. This allows moisture out causing death by dehydration and in addition allows micro-organisms in (such as those naturally found in the soil) causing death from the inside too.

Within 48 hours of using this safer insecticide you should see insects gone, whether used inside or out. In the garden DE can be used as a barrier around prized shrubs and plants or sprinkled onto foliage to destroy large insect infestations. In the home, DE should be sprinkled across the threshold and in nooks and crannies where insects hide.

A wide range of pests can be dealt with by using this natural insecticide. As it is a powder and needs reapplying after rain, it is most commonly used in the home. Ideally suited to indoor use because it settles into those crevices you don't even notice, without affecting your or your family. DE can safely deal with cockroaches, ants, silverfish, fleas, beetles and slugs. In fact it can be used as a topical flea powder on pets too.

This is such a safe insecticide, natural and benign, it is certified acceptable for use in organic gardening, but should still not be inhaled due to its tiny particle size. That seems a lot less of a concern than the long warning lists associated with most effective insecticidal products. If you have insects visiting your home, give Diatomaceous Earth a try.

Visit our site to learn more about insect control and find out more about natural insecticide.

Natural Insecticides Homemade

There has been widespread concern over the presence of pesticides and insecticides. Using chemical insecticides, even using organic insecticides can kill the destructive insects but will also kill the beneficial insects. Some of these methods are chemical in nature, such as insecticides and fungicides, this method of pest control was supposed to save us time, save our crops, and help us produce more food, but as luck would have it this method is dangerous. During their lifetime in the soil, plants are heavily sprayed with a number of insecticides, pesticides and fungicides. Most of these pesticides are hormone disrupters, neurotoxins, some may be carcinogenic, while others may cause genetic mutations. Just think about all environmental poisoning from just the pesticides, insecticides and other contaminants that are on most of our foods.

Natural Insecticide Products

Biological pest control includes insecticides that are derived from plants or other naturally occurring substances such as microorganisms. While others are more natural, like using beneficial insects to control harmful ones. Forests and jungles never need pesticides and insecticides because natural plants and herbs have their own mechanism in place. This form of insecticide proves to be harmless to plants and also much less harmful to other mammals than chemical insecticides.

Having a good guide to common garden pests and diseases is a good idea, since it can sometimes be difficult for the untrained eye to tell exactly what the problem is. If you have a home garden that you use organic garden pest control on you will realize how wonderful your vegetables or fruits taste when they are not pumped full of toxins. While you have to monitor the introduction of these natural pest control methods you will find there are great benefits to using the organic garden pest control methods.

However, if you live in an area where lawns are watered with municipal water (chlorinated) or are treated with inorganic fertilizers, or sprayed with pesticides and insecticides it is not a good idea to let your pets such as dogs eat the grass. They may also eat a bug that has been exposed to insecticides and they will often lick their pads to stop the burning, which can lead on to diarrhea.

Our Homes Are Targets Too

According to the National Pest Management Association, termites destroy more homes each year than fires or floods. You can almost call termites, terror-mites. When we think about how to kill termites, we never consider that they can force us from our homes, but they do eventually if the infestation is severe enough. If the pest control company uses the tent method or a stronger chemical, you may have to leave your home for many days to allow the chemicals to work and kill the termites. So it is no wonder that many people will risk the harm not only to the environment but also to themselves.

How would it be if you could rid yourself of an infestation and protect your home from attack by using homemade natural insecticides? Would you be more at ease? Most people would but if the propaganda were to be believed, the natural insecticide products are not as effective as the harsh chemical product.
Would you like to find some recipes for all natural insecticide products that really work? Most people would.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Natural Insecticides Homemade By You



We are so familiar with synthetic insecticides that the decision to gravitate over to the all natural insecticide products is one we do either gradually or cold turkey (all in).

Only recently have our habits changed from rushing to the cupboard and extricating the can of synthetic chemicals to chase insects around the home and in doing so gas the human inhabitants as well. We accompany the household spray with an arsenal of other chemical products that are used like Agent Orange on our lawns and vegetable gardens.

All this conditioning is the first thing that we need to overcome before we can go down the natural insecticide path and stop polluting our environment. Going green is psychological warfare as much as it is a change of lifestyle.

The products available commercially that can be shop bought are limited. Looking along your supermarket shelves there are many more chemical bombs than green friendly types, so you would be forgiven for thinking that the natural green product is less effective due to product supply and demand. Just because there are more chemical types on the shelf does not mean they are more popular and more effective.

Other forms of insect control that you might want to research is the act of planting companion plants that are known to either repel pests or attract beneficial ones.
These plants can enhance the growth and or the taste of vegetables as well making them work double duty within your garden.

This can take a little planning, as you are looking for plants that compliment each other in shape, texture, and color, and within your personal landscape design. Also it is important to match plants that have the same requirements for water, temperature, and general growing requirements.

Not only does it fill in the look of your garden, but also by choosing plants with natural insecticide qualities, you have at your fingertips, a ready supply of materials in which you can make your own natural insecticides as needed.

Visit our site to learn more about insect control and find out more about natural insecticide.

Garlic As An Organic Pesticide

When you think of garlic, you would never think that it is a natural garden pesticide. While many of us cook with garlic, many people have found a multitude of uses, such as a pesticide that is natural and organic and won't put toxins in you and your family, harm the environment, is easy and inexpensive to make.

Yes, it works and No your vegetables won't taste like garlic.

Garlic is a great organic garden pesticide, garlic is actually called an Allium, a bulb type plant that smells. Just as onion is a Allium. There are a few different ways that you can prepare garlic to use as a pesticide.

One way is to chop about 3 - ounces of garlic and soak in mineral oil for one day. You then add 1 teaspoon of fish emulsion, which is great for your plants, mix with 1 pint of water and add it to the garlic mix. Stir and strain, remix with the liquid with 1 part solution to 20 parts water. You have now made your own home made natural garlic pesticide.

Spray your plants at least once a week or more if needed for infestation. Using garlic as an organic pesticide will help ants, aphids, army worms, caterpillars, Colorado beetle, diamondback moth, pulse beetle, whitefly, wireworm, false codling moth, imported cabbage worm, khapra beetle, mice, mites, moles, Mexican bean beetle, peach borers and termites as well as fungi and bacteria.

Since garlic is a broad spectrum natural insecticide . This means that it will kill beneficial insects as well as pests. Try to spray only the affected areas where pests are doing most damage.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Organic Garden Pest Control Using Natural Insecticides



There are new developments in the organic garden pest control and natural insecticide fields all the time. Plants and fungi are discovered seemingly on a daily basis and some of these plants are exhibiting signs that they could be useful in organic pest control.

Have you heard of Scerotia? Well this fungi has been recently discovered and what they found in its properties was a natural ability to deter insects that has now shown enough signs it will be able to be produced as a natural insecticide. Further research will decide on its usefulness in this area but things are looking promising.

If you currently have or want an organically orientated vegetable garden or farm you always are looking for the latest developments in this field. One of the ways to get advice is to seek out fellow gardeners who share the same philosophies as you. Look in your local area first for groups and fellowships. Classes are commonly available in most places if you are new to the organic arena.

Another source, don’t forget the most powerful information tool available to mankind…the internet, forums abound where you can share ideas and get free advice from organic enthusiasts. The Internet is an absolutely wonderful source to find information that is pertinent to your location about organic gardening. It is invaluable as a tool when you are looking for information on natural insecticides. There are many websites that can help you plan a naturally run garden as well as help you choose plants with natural insecticide qualities.

Natural nurseries are also a wonderful source not only to receive information about natural insecticides but also often have a wide variety of healthy plants that are natural insecticides in stock. Normally staff employed by these types of nurseries are more than happy to help you plan your garden and will offer suggestions as to plant choices for companion gardening. Many of these natural nurseries also have how to clinics on a variety of subjects of interest to the organic gardener.

The use of natural insecticides with any eco-friendly gardening is nothing new it has been around for centuries. Thankfully information has become more readily available and is updated all the time. For those who wish to look deeper into organic gardening and into the use of natural insecticides finding that information is easier today than it ever has been. One of the best and instant ways is to buy an e-book through the internet, you will find just the ones you need if you do your research carefully and due to the ease of delivery the suppliers can offer their digital information at a much reduced cost.

Visit our site to learn more about insect control and find out more about natural insecticide.

Boric Acid - A Natural Insecticide

A natural insecticide, boric acid, is a substance you can keep at home that can be used to kill ants, roaches, termites, beetles, fire ants, fleas and many more insects.

It is is an inexpensive product found in most drug or discount stores. As a white powder that is odorless it can be purchased in different size bottles. This chemical is used in most of the store bought baits and commercial pesticides.

It is “deadly” to insects because it shuts down their nervous system causing them to go into “shock” while dehydrating them.

Boric acid has been used for many years for things we would not even think of. Did you know that it is used to help flame retard cotton fibers? It is placed in the mixing machines along with oil and a chemical surfactant before garneting of the cotton fibers begin. The properly treated cotton is flame retardant which is then used in mattresses, upholstered furniture and some carpets.