Insects and Bugs you Want to Repel

2 – Trap Cropping

Trap cropping is a pest control method that involves planting a crop that is particularly attractive to a specific insect pest. The idea is to lure the pest away from the main crop and onto the trap crop, which can be harvested or destroyed once the pest has been attracted to it. Here are some examples of how trap cropping can be used to get rid of pests:

• Cabbage loopers: Cabbage loopers are a common pest of brassica plants like broccoli and cabbage. Trap cropping can be used by planting a border of collard greens or other brassica plants around the main crop to attract the cabbage loopers away from the main crop.
• Squash bugs: Squash bugs are a common pest of squash and pumpkins. Trap cropping can be used by planting a border of butternut squash or other winter squash around the main crop to attract the squash bugs away from the main crop.
• Colorado potato beetles: Colorado potato beetles are a common pest of potatoes. Trap cropping can be used by planting a border of eggplants or other solanaceous plants around the main crop to attract the Colorado potato beetles away from the main crop.
• Aphids: Aphids are a common pest of many garden plants. Trap cropping can be used by planting a border of nasturtiums or other plants that are particularly attractive to aphids around the main crop to attract the aphids away from the main crop.

By using trap cropping, gardeners can effectively control pest populations by luring them away from the main crop and onto a trap crop. This method can be particularly effective for organic gardeners who want to avoid using chemical pesticides. However, it’s important to monitor both the main crop and the trap crop to ensure that the pest population is being effectively controlled.

3 – Physical Barriers to Repel Insect Pests

Physical barriers can be an effective way to repel insect pests in the garden by creating a physical barrier between the plants and the pests. Here are some examples of physical barriers that can be used:

• Row covers: Row covers are lightweight, breathable fabrics that can be placed over plants to create a physical barrier between plants and insects. They are particularly effective for protecting plants from flying insects like aphids, whiteflies, and moths.
• Netting: Netting can be used to protect plants from larger pests like birds and rodents. It can also be used to protect plants from insects like flea beetles and Japanese beetles.
• Floating row covers: Floating row covers are similar to traditional row covers but are placed directly on the soil around the plants. They can be used to protect young plants from cutworms and other soil-dwelling pests.
• Sticky traps: Sticky traps are small pieces of paper or plastic coated with a sticky substance that attracts and traps insects. They can be used to control pests like thrips, whiteflies, and fungus gnats.

Using physical barriers can be a highly effective way to repel insect pests in the garden, but it’s important to use the right barrier for the specific pest you are trying to control. It’s also important to monitor the barriers regularly to make sure they are working effectively and to remove them once the pest problem has been resolved.

4 – Beneficial Insects and Natural Predators

Beneficial insects provide ecological benefits, such as controlling pest populations, pollinating plants, and serving as food for other animals. These insects play important roles in maintaining the balance of ecosystems and supporting the health of the environment.

Beneficial insects are important predators of pests, such as aphids and mites, and help to control their populations without the use of harmful chemicals.

Beneficial insects also play important roles as pollinators, helping to fertilize plants and support the growth of crops and other vegetation.

The beneficial insects you should attract to your garden depend on several factors, including the types of pests you have, the plants in your garden, and the climate in your area. Some of the most common beneficial insects that can be attracted to gardens include:

• Ladybugs: Ladybugs are predators of aphids and other soft-bodied pests and are a great way to control pest populations without using harmful chemicals.
• Lacewings: Lacewings are also predators of aphids and other soft-bodied pests and are an effective way to control pest populations.
• Parasitic wasps: Parasitic wasps feed on caterpillars and other bugs and are an important part of many ecosystems.
• Bumblebees: Bumblebees are important pollinators and can help to support the growth of crops and other plants in your garden.
• Hoverflies: Hoverflies are also important pollinators and are attracted to gardens with various flowering plants.
• Praying mantises: Praying mantises feed on a variety of insects, including flies, moths, and beetles, and can help to control pest populations in your garden.
• Soldier beetles: Soldier beetles feed on aphids, mites, and caterpillars and are also important pollinators.

To attract beneficial insects to your garden: plant various native plants, provide a water source and suitable habitat, and offer shelter.

5 – Cultural Practices

Cultural practices can be an effective way to repel insect pests in the garden by making the environment less favorable to pests. Here are some examples of cultural practices that can help to repel insect pests:

• Proper watering: Proper watering can help to keep plants healthy and less susceptible to insect pest damage. Watering at the base of the plant can also help to prevent foliage from becoming wet, which can attract pests like aphids and whiteflies.
• Pruning: Pruning can help to promote healthy plant growth and make it easier to identify and remove damaged or diseased plant parts that may attract insect pests.
• Crop rotation: Crop rotation can help to prevent pest problems by reducing the buildup of pests in the soil. It’s important to rotate crops to different garden areas each year to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases in the soil.
• Soil health: Maintaining healthy soil can help to promote healthy plant growth and make plants less susceptible to insect pest damage. Adding organic matter to the soil, such as compost or manure, can help to improve soil health.
• Plant diversity: Planting a diverse mix of plants can help to prevent pest problems by making it less likely that pests will establish themselves in the garden. It’s also important to avoid planting the same type of plant in the same area of the garden year after year.

6 – Natural Insecticides

Using natural insecticides can be an effective way to repel insect pests in the garden without the use of harmful chemicals. Here are some examples of natural insecticides that can help to repel insect pests:

• Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that is effective against many insect pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. It works by disrupting the feeding and reproductive cycles of the insects and is safe for most plants.
• Pyrethrum: Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide that is derived from chrysanthemum flowers. It is effective against many insect pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and thrips. It targets the nervous system of insects and is safe for most plants.
• Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap is a natural insecticide that works by disrupting the cell membranes of insect pests. It is effective against many insect pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites, and is safe for most plants.
• Diatomaceous earth: Diatomaceous earth is a natural insecticide that is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. It works by dehydrating the exoskeletons of insect pests and is effective against a wide range of pests, including ants, fleas, and beetles.
• Garlic spray: Garlic spray is a natural insecticide that can be made by blending garlic cloves with water and straining the mixture. It can be effective against a wide range of insect pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.

By using natural insecticides, you can help to control insect pest populations in the garden without the use of harmful chemicals. It’s important to follow the instructions on the product label and to test any new insecticides on a small area of the plant before applying them to the entire plant.