Mealybugs, aphids, caterpillars or spider mites are some of the unwanted pests that get trapped in your garden and invade your plants. These pests can wreak havoc on your plants and damage them. However, you can protect your plants and defeat these predators thanks to natural tricks. Find out how to eliminate garden pests.

It is possible to eliminate garden pests without resorting to insecticides. To do so, you just need to adopt some natural and effective tricks.

How to get rid of garden pests?

• Eliminate aphids from garden plants.

Yellow aphid – Source: spm

Aphids are enemies of plants, especially roses. To detect the presence of these pests in your garden, simply observe the foliage of your plants. If it is infested, you will notice that     the leaves become deformed or curl up on themselves.   In addition, aphids secrete a sweet, sticky substance called honeydew. This substance attracts ants and fungi     responsible for a cryptogamic disease called sooty mold.

To get rid of aphids on your plants, mix 3 tablespoons of black soap with a litre of water in a spray bottle. Spray the foliage with this solution, remembering the underside of the leaves, as this is where aphids hide. Repeat this for several days to overcome this infestation. You can also use coffee grounds which are a natural repellent. To do this, sprinkle it at the base of the infested plants. Keep in mind that it must be dry and remember to change it periodically, especially if it gets wet. Other natural products are also effective in controlling aphids, such as Marseille soap, garlic or even neem oil.

• Eliminating mealybugs from the garden

Mealybugs – Source: spm

Like aphids, mealybugs are stinging, sucking insects that feed on plant sap and secrete the honeydew responsible for sooty mold. The latter causes a black, sooty deposit that covers the plant’s foliage and blocks photosynthesis. Plants that are most likely to be affected by mealybugs are orchids, succulents, or roses. To get rid of mealybugs, you can use white vinegar. To do this, mix a cup of white vinegar with a gallon of water in a spray bottle and spray it on the infected parts of your plant. Repeat the operation until these parasites are completely eradicated.

Another trick is to use nettle manure. To do this, simply spray this natural insecticide on the foliage of your plants.

• Eliminate mites from the garden

Red spider – Source: spm

The red spider, also known as the mite, is a parasite that devastates plants in the garden, but also in the vegetable garden or orchard,     during periods of heat and drought.   A soil poor in humus and rich in nitrogenous fertilizers can also encourage the proliferation of these parasites. The garden plants most affected by a mite infestation are cyclamen, hydrangeas or dahlias. Thus, in case of infestation, the foliage turns yellow and dries up.

To eliminate spider mites, mix a teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder with a few drops of dishwashing liquid and a liter of warm water in a container. Let the mixture sit overnight and strain through a fine sieve. Transfer this mixture to a spray bottle and spray on the foliage of your infested plant.

How to prevent the appearance of these pests in the garden?

• Remove weeds from the garden.

Weeds prevent plants from making the most of the nutrients and light in the soil, but they also harbour pests. To get rid of weeds, you don’t need to use chemicals. Baking soda is a natural weed killer that you can use in small areas. To do this, sprinkle a little of this multi-purpose product on the areas you want to weed and spray with water. Note that you can replace baking soda with salt. To do this, dissolve 200 g of salt in a litre of water and water your weeds with this natural solution.

• Take care of the garden

It is important to remove wilted flowers and dead leaves from your garden     to prevent the decomposition of these plant substances.  This decomposition process creates fertile ground for the proliferation of insects, fungi and cryptogamic diseases.

• Add beneficial insects to your garden

Not all insects are enemies of your plants.  Some beneficial insects are effective at keeping away pests     that wreak havoc on your garden, such as ladybugs. They feed on aphids, spider mites, larvae and eggs of many garden pests.

With these tips you will protect your garden from pests that damage your plants.