As a gardening-maniac, it can be heartbreaking to suddenly encounter an insect problem. That said, many gardeners are reluctant to employ professional insect pest control services with the view that professional pest-control chemicals can cause more harm than good.
While this is not the case, we understand that many gardeners wish to tackle the problem themselves before dealing with the disruption of insect pest control measures. Here are a few techniques that could suit you, and prevent an insect infestation making its way into your home:
Invest in Floating Row Covers
Covers are long strips of white, translucent polyester fabric which can cover plants, without blocking light from reaching them. They function as barriers between insects and your shrubbery and can be cost-effective ways to minimize the damage of an insect pest problem.
Ultimately, floating row covers will not deter the insects, as such, but they will prevent further damage from being exerted on your garden.
Traps
Insects, while more difficult to trap than traditional indoor pests, can be caught with the right tools. There are two completely risk-free kinds of trap: pheromone and sticky.
- Pheromone Traps: Pheromone traps seek to duplicate the natural pheromones produced by insects in a bid to lure them into traps – this mostly works for male insects only, however, so will have limited success.
- Sticky Traps: Sticky traps are exactly what they sound like: sticky. Their color will determine which insects are attracted to them, and will grip insects for later disposal.
Insecticidal Soaps
Insecticidal soaps seek to dissolve the skin of the insect you’re targeting and only work when in liquid form. They can be tricky to use correctly, however, because some can damage the leaves of certain plants, and they don’t discriminate between insects, so you can harm beneficial insects.
They are, however, extremely effective against mites, aphids, whiteflies, and other soft-bodied insects as well as the softer nymph stages of some tough-bodied bugs.
Prevention vs. Cure
DIY insect pest control, while often effective, must be maintained and is only preventative in nature. As a result, if you wish to eliminate insect pests from your garden, or if they’re approaching it, your home, completely, and do not want to implement permanent insect pest control measures throughout your household, consult a professional.
Pest management professionals are amenable to individual circumstances and can employ effective methods with minimal damage or disruption.
If you require further information, or would like to arrange an insect pest control quote based on your individual circumstances in the Ontario area, then contact Mr. Pest control on (7378).
