A brief introduction
Pesticides are chemicals used to eliminate or control unwanted insects, plants or other organisms. Indiscriminate pesticide use can be harmful to beneficial insects and (other) plants in your garden. Pesticides also can leach trough the soil and end up in groundwater and surface water.
Bio-pesticides are naturally occurring pesticides derived from either plants, animals, microorganisms or minerals. They are non-toxic, naturally environmentally friendly and are a key ingredient in sustainable farming. Canola oil or baking soda are easily obtainable and commonly used as biopesticides for home gardens.
What can you do?
If pests are a problem take a “wait and see” attitude first. Often a predator will move in to control the situation, such as ladybugs who eat aphids. Try removing insects by hand or spraying jets of water as less invasive methods of pest control. If these don’t work, try insecticidal soap or pyrethrums, which are kinder to the environment.
Even better, make your own environmental-friendly pesticides. We give you some recipes.
Recipes for Bio-pesticides
Bio-Insecticide
- 1 pressure spray bottle
- bowl for mixing
- 4 liters (16 cups) of warm water
- 2 tablespoons (40 milliliters of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons (40 milliliters of non-detergent dish soap
- 1 tablespoon (20 milliliters of cayenne pepper
Mix ingredients and pour into a spray bottle. Spray and drench bugs thoroughly. Shake continuously to maintain mixture. The mixture will not harm the plants.
Bio-Fungicide
- 1 pressure spray bottle
- bowl for mixing
- 4 liters (16 cups) of warm water
- 2 tablespoons (40 milliliters of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons (40 milliliters of non-detergent dish soap
- 125 ml (½ cup) of baking soda
Finally
Monitor the situation regularly for the treated plants or areas in your garden. Repeat the treatment if necessary.
If you have other examples of bio-pesticides you want to share, let us know.
