Chemical vs Organic

Each year, Texans apply about 4 million pounds of pesticides on their lawns, according to the City of Austin Water Conservation Department. It is estimated that almost one third of that usage is wasted – either because of overdoing it, or using the wrong mix.
Pesticides are both a major industry and a major form of pollution -- poisoning birds, fish and other wildlife along with bugs. Using the wrong insecticide or using one at the wrong time can upset the natural order, eradicate healthy populations of beneficial insects and create a need for still more insecticide, according to Malcolm Beck. “The best natural control resides in adapted, healthy, well-nurtured plants,” he writes in “Lessons in Nature.” Organic gardeners learn how to attract beneficial insects, bats or bugs to their yard to help control undesirables (or they may purchase Lady Beetles, Lacewings or others). They learn to differentiate between good bugs and bad, to tolerate and encourage “pests” like predatory wasps that actually help create a healthy garden environment. And occasionally, as a last resort, they seek out an increasing number of products that aren’t toxic to the environment but are available when infestations get out of control.

Home remedies

Small numbers of pests can be controlled by hand-picking (to dispose, drop in a bucket of soapy water). A hard blast of water can also dislodge aphids, spider mites and other pests. Keeping plants adequately watered and in good shape will also deter bugs, which tend to attack weak and stressed plants. Or consider something as simple as a paper collar barrier placed around seedlings to keep cutworms from doing damage in the earliest stages of the plant’s life.
Other home-grown remedies are also tried and true pest deterrents. Garlic-pepper concoctions can be made at home or purchased off the shelf. Fire ants can be kept under control with a mixture of molasses, manure compost tea and citrus oil, plus humate and natural vinegar, according to “Texas Bug Book,” written by Malcolm Beck and Howard Garrett.

Organic methods

Bacillus thuringiensis, a bacterial organism, can be used on Cabbage worms, Webworms, and many other worms. Sabadilla Dust, made from lily seeds, works on Squash bugs, Harlequin bugs and other kinds of Stink bugs.
Garden-Ville’s Organic Insecticide contains a blend of mint and limestone that can be applied as is, in powder form, or mixed with liquid and sprayed. The product controls numerous household pests: Aphids, Thrips, Mites, Whiteflies, Grasshoppers, Leafhoppers, Grubs, Worms, Snails, Fire Ants, Carpenter Ants, Cockroaches, Spiders, Silverfish, Earwigs, Crickets, Beetles, Fleas, Ticks, Lice, Bedbugs, Scorpions, Flies and other flying insects.

Beneficial nematodes

Using beneficial nematodes is another method of pest control that more and more homeowners are interested in. According to “Texas Bug Book,” nematodes control armyworms, cabbage loopers, Colorado potato beetles, corn rootworms, cutworms, grubs and other soil pests. Beneficial nematodes, purchased in dry or wet formulations, are tiny worm-like animals that “kill by unleashing bacteria that grow, feed on and liquefy the body tissues of pests,” according to the book. As such, they need to be handled carefully, since environmental factors can affect their lifespan and effectiveness. Temperatures higher than 90 degrees shorten their lifespan, for instance, and they must be used once mixed with water to make a spray. The water activates dormant organisms, according to Rodale’s “Chemical Free Yard & Garden.”
Not all nematodes are helpful, and infestations of root nematodes can be problematic with vegetables like carrots, lettuce, potatoes and tomatoes. The nematodes are microscopic, and not visible, but they leave tell-tale symptoms such as weak, wilting plants with stunted fruit and flowers. Beneath the ground, infected roots are swollen two to three times wider than those of healthy roots. Beck recommends increasing the amount of organic matter in the soil. Other organic products used to control root nematodes are cedar flakes, and citrus oil drenches, according to Garrett’s website, www.dirtdoctor.com.
Both horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps should be sprayed upward from beneath plant foliage for best results.

Embracing the challenge

One of the most challenging but ultimately rewarding methods of controlling pests in the garden is spending enough time in observation to recognition the different life stages of the many beneficial insects. With at least a million in existence and scientists discovering more each day, the tactic becomes more of a challenge.