Getting Rid of Insects the Natural Way

I hate bugs. They bite, they’re ugly, they’re…they’re…just ewww. Yet every year I have an army of them invading my flowers and veggies in an effort to undermine all the work I have done. I think it’s an insect conspiracy. I’ll start a black-hat operation to kill anything living in my yard.

The easy remedy would be to spray an insecticide, but I have small children and don’t want to expose them to anything which might hurt them. The good news is that there are numerous natural remedies available for a gardener to use if he doesn’t want to use toxic chemicals.

Pyrethrum – If you want to keep insects away from your flowers, then just plant some chrysanthemums. These flowers have a natural insecticide called pyrethrum, which insects can’t stand. This will also keep away beneficial insects but it doesn’t always work. It depends on how much pyrethrum the plant actually produces and how many plants are in the garden. You can also purchase insecticides made from the plant if you don’t want to mix them in with your other plants.

Diatomaceous Earth – I’m glad I am a writer and not a speaker because I am not really sure how to pronounce these, but this natural compound is essentially made up of ground up shells. Fossils, actually. Diatoms are tiny little marine animals whose shells have been fossilized over millenia. These fossils are made mostly out of silica sand and, as such, will slice and dice the protective layers around their body and cause them to dehydrate. If inhaled in large quantities, its powder can be dangerous so always wear a mask when applying.

Insecticidal Soap – Soap is just the fat of plants and animals. Yes folks, you’re lathering yourself up with some purty smellin’ animal fat. Insecticidal soap is a refined version of regular soap that helps deter aphids and other soft-bodied insects. Just coat the plants and you’re good to go. This is safe for plants and humans.

There are a number of other natural insecticides on the market, but these three make up the most popular and useful in my opinion. Give your plants and your family the gift of health by using all-natural insecticides.

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