HOW TO GET RID OF INSECTS AND PESTS IN YOUR HOME/TERRACE GARDEN
COMMON BUGS/PESTS/INSECTS YOU SEE IN YOUR GARDEN
Aphids infestation under the leaves and the stem or flower bud. They multiply really fast and in large numbers. They secrete a sticky exudate called honeydew which can turn black with the growth of sooty fungi. They may release some toxins that cause the leaves to curl and distort.
They feed by sucking the plant juices which weaken the plant, cause yellowing of leaves, and eventually leaves drop. Mealybugs also produce sticky honeydew that can act as a medium for fungi to colonize.
They are the larvae of the insect and live in and feed on the leaves of the plants. They can be identified by the blotches or linear spots they leave on the leaves.
Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths. They feed on the young leaves, shoots, flowers, and fruits. They could damage the plant severely since they are heavy feeders.
They suck juices from the plants, stunting the growth, leaf yellowing, and retarded yield. They also secrete honeydew like aphids and mealybugs.
They are very common sap-sucking plant pests. They are considered harmful because they cause severe damage in a very short span of time.
Ants by themselves do not harm the plants but they help transport the other pests like aphids and mealybugs for the sake of honeydew secreted by them. The ants quickly spread them from one part of the plant to another and also on other plants.
HOW TO PREVENT THESE INSECTS FROM HARMING YOUR PLANTS
The following are some ways for preventing pests from taking over your garden.
- Encourage healthy soil: A good quality healthy potting soil makes healthy plants with strong immune systems, which are better able to fight off diseases and pests. Healthy soils feed and shelter beneficial soil life.
- Natural fertilizers/manures: Manures like Panch Mix help build healthy soil, used once a month, can activate soil microbes. Apply a handful of basic Panch Mix, manures should be added away from plant roots always. Best is at borders with 1 or 2-inch dig inside and put the mix and cover with soil and water slowly according to the need.
- Choose resistant varieties: This is an easy tip for preventing garden pests. Choose plant varieties that are naturally resistant to pests.
- Plant in the right place: Reserve plants that need full sun for full sun areas. Likewise, plant crops according to water needs. If a crop requires more water to stay healthy, grow it in an area that stays moist longer.
Crops may tolerate less than ideal conditions for a time, but eventually, the stress will weaken them and they can succumb to pests. Planting in the right place is an easy step toward preventing garden pests.
- Repel pests: Strong-scented herbs can deter pests when planted among or near the vegetables. This is a super-easy way to support your efforts in preventing garden pests.
HOW TO GET RID OF THESE PESTS/INSECTS ORGANICALLY
- Remove all infected parts of plants and destroy them.
- Take one liter water and mix 5 ML of organic Neem Oil & 5 ML bath shampoo mix them well in the water. Spray that solution on every leaf until it's fully wet. Repeat this spraying every week for few weeks.
- Dashaparni extract is very effective in controlling all kinds of insect pests and diseases, it is prepared using all-natural ingredients. It strengthens the plant's overall immunity. It is antiviral and antifungal.
Take one-liter water and add 30 ML of organic Dashaparni extract & mix them well. Spray that solution on every leaf until it's fully wet. Repeat this spraying twice a week if it's severe, in normal cases once a week should be fine. as prevention once in 2 weeks is good enough.
HOME REMEDIES
For easily dislodged insects like aphids, crickets, mites, or spiders, try spraying them off with a stream or spray of water from the hose. The pressure of water will knock them down. If this doesn't work for your plant try a homemade soap solution.
*Disclaimer: home remedies will not work if the infection is severe*
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