When controlling pests in your yard, take the path of least toxicity. Not all bugs are harmful or cause damage to the plants in your garden. Beneficial insects, like the ones mentioned below, actually prey on the pests you are trying to get rid of. Pesticides, whether organic or synthetic, can be toxic to humans, beneficial insects, the pests they eat, and other predators like birds, frogs, fish, and cats to name a few.
I recently had aphids all over my Euphorbias earlier this spring. At first, I pinched them between my fingers every morning before work. Over the next couple of weeks, the colonies seemed to double . . . then triple. I reluctantly pruned the chartruese brachts (flowers) in hopes of bringing the population under control. Much to my displeasure, the colonies started migrating to the neighboring Euphorbias. I finally decided to selectively spray the brachts that were about to be smothered by aphids. Then one morning, I discovered the aphids had been replaced with a dozen Soldier Beetles.
Hierarchy of Pest Control
I’ll be honest, taking the path of least toxicity takes patience, a basic understanding of your garden, and commitment to healthy practices. Creating a healthy, toxic-free yard benefits not only beneficial wildlife, but also your pets, your family, your pocket book, and the environment. I’m not a crazed environmentalist preaching for major life changes overnight. I speak from experience that going “toxic-free” is a process that you should take one day at a time. As you come across pests in your yard, start with the least-toxic method listed below.
PREVENTION - use native plants, look for disease resistant varieties, annual vegetable crop rotation
PHYSICAL - remove whatever pests are eating, hand picking, pruning, blast bugs with the hose, traps
BIOLOGICAL - attract natural predators such as birds, beneficial insects, or even bats
CHEMICAL - organic or synthetic pesticides (hopefully this article persuades you to take the least toxic path available)
Prevention is key to stop the spread of bird diseases to humans and other birds. Backyard bird feeding has been a favorite pastime for many homeowners. However, birds can carry various diseases that can be passed along to other birds and sometimes to humans through their saliva and feces. >>What To Do If You See A Sick Bird
Birds can become sick after eating leftover feed that has become moldy and from bird poop that piles up around the feeder. Promote a healthy feeding environment for birds, and you for that matter, by routinely cleaning your feeders. >>About Birds and Bird Feeding
Feeder Care
Clean feeders once every 2 weeks or more often if you have heavy traffic.
Wash your feeders thoroughly in soapy water then soak or rinse in a solution of 1 parts bleach to 9 parts water.
Completely dry before refilling with bird seed.
Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned every 3 to 5 days when you refill the nectar.
Remove any excess seed that accumulates on the ground below the feeder.
Birds play an important role in ecological balance by propogating plant life and controlling insects. A healthy population is vital in maintaining other natural resources. Whether you live in urban, suburban, or rural areas, there are birds that need your help. >>Getting Started: What You Can Do
Attracting birds to your backyard is not only fun for birdwatching but can also serve as natural pest control. Spring is a time when migrating birds return to our yards to enjoy the warm weather. However, so do the many unwanted pests that prey on the new growth of our precious plants. Don’t get me wrong, not all bugs are bad. Actually, 95% of all insects are beneficial or harmless to people. So keep the insecticides on the shelf and reach for the birdseed instead (see also Other Bird Foods).
Insect-eating Birds
Most birds that visit your feeders are not interested in eating seed, but rather the live insects and other cold-blooded vertebrates that are flooding your yard come spring. Remember, not all insects are bad so get rid of that ugly bug-zapper and let nature do its thing.
Crawling insects: Blackbirds, bluebirds, sparrows, crows, wrens, cardinals, bobolinks, and more
Tree catepillars: Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, warblers
Flying insects: swallows, nighthawks, flycatchers, warblers, swifts, Cedar Waxwings
Tired of spending your summers watering your garden? If you don’t have the money to install an in-ground sprinkler system, consider choosing xeriscape perennialsfor your garden. There are so many benefits: drought tolerant, beautiful flowers, save money, easy to maintain, and attracts birds and pollinators. I can’t say enough about High Country Gardens (HCG) for ideas, planning, and garden know-how. HCG’s exclusive Xeriscape Flower Fan is a great tool to see perennial combinations by height, color, blooming season, soil preference, and water needs. Wherever you are Julie Fischer, “THANK YOU!
If you’re starting from scratch, HCG has a great article to help you analyze the various aspects of your yard like, weather, wind patterns, sun patterns, and SOIL. Soil is a big, I mean huge, element that most beginners overlook. I admit, I was gung-ho at first and I’m still paying the price for planting in poor soil. Many plant problems can be eliminated by putting plants in soil they like. Also, many synthetic pesticides and fertilizers won’t have to be used which helps save beneficial insects, the environment, and your money. For tips on making your own soil amendment, see Why Make Compost
I highly recommend beginners start by choosing plants that are suitable to your area’s USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone. There’s a reason why plants from these zones are successful, so trust the map. Click here for how to use the map and find plants that are appropriate for your area.
Where have all the bees gone? Many farmers have managed regional problems for years, but now we are faced with bees disappearing in droves across the nation. The benefits of bees go way beyond the honey they produce. In the agriculture world, bees play an invaluable role in pollinating many of the fruits and vegetables we eat every day.
In a New York Times article, Cornell University estimated that bees pollinate up to $14 billion worth of seeds a year. According to Entrepreneur.com, honey bees are responsible for pollinating over 90 varieties of fruits and vegetables worldwide, especially blueberries and apples. Just think about how many bites of food we eat every day that depend on the pollination of bees.
There are many different theories as to why the bees are disappearing at such alarming rates, ranging from synthetic pesticides, poor nutrition, cold weather, mite infestations, diseases, or just pure exhaustion. Whether you are an avid gardener or just a consumer who likes to eat, we can all do our part to support local bee colonies. Here is some food for thought:
Eliminate the use of synthetic pesticides, especially when bees and other pollinators are hard at work. The residue left on plants, even when dry, can harm beneficial insects. Many pest and disease problems can be eliminated by improving soil quality and water practices. Prevention is the key to achieving a natural garden!
Choose spring and summer plants that pollinators love. Many of these plants are drought tolerant once established through regular watering during the first season. Some of my favorites include:
For a complete plant list, click Urban Bee Project. Please consult a local nursery to be sure the plants are not considered invasive in your area. Choosing native plants is a sure way to have a successful, low-maintenance, yet beautiful garden.
Keep your fluttering friends happy all winter long with this cool bird feeder from Sprout Home. The mouth blown glass is strong enough to take a beating from the elements. Just pour in your favorite seed mix and hang wherever you wish.My favorite nature lookout is from the kitchen window. Washing the dishes has become much more enjoyable. Here are some helpful tips to keeping your new neighbors happy:
Mount feeders high but within reach for easy filling.
Fill feeders with only one type of seed mix. If you want variety, buy multiple feeders.
Keep your feeders clean!
For more helpful tips on choosing the right feeders, visit Suburban Habitat.
Where have all the bees gone? Many farmers have managed regional problems for years, but now we are faced with bees disappearing in droves across the nation. The benefits of bees go way beyond the honey they produce. In the agriculture world, bees play an invaluable role in pollinating many of the fruits and vegetables we eat every day.
