FEATURE: PEST CONTROL


Gardeners annoyed at encountering outdoor nuisances, especially since the sun has been shining, are being offered tips on how to get rid of common insects and bugs. The outdoor experts from GardenBuildingsDirect. co.uk have revealed the ultimate guide on how to get rid of common garden pests.


using more natural methods. These pest control suggestions also offer eco-friendly alternatives to harsh chemicals that can harm humans. Such as creating barricades, using everyday natural household items and budget buys. A spokesman for GardenBuildings


W


Direct.co.uk says: “As we all head to our gardens and outdoor spaces, it is inevitable that pesky bugs will interrupt our fun at some point. “This guide will prevent you from getting bugged whilst out in the garden and will help keep some of the more common pests out of the way of BBQs, picnics and good times. However, the repellent used will purely depend on the bug that is bothering you. “Certain insects are susceptible to minty scents, whereas others need their path blocking to be kept away from precious plants, veggies and trees.”


1. Blocking their way Barriers help gardeners keep bugs out of their gardens. Creating a small barrier around young or weaker plants will stop leaves from getting nibbled on and extend their


life.


Consider covering shoots or growing vegetables with cardboard toilet rolls boxes or a light coating that doesn’t block the sun. This will act as a wall,


18 DIY WEEK JULY 2021


orms, bees, wasps, and mosquitos can be kept at bay without causing harm to the insect and by


TO STOP GETTING BUGGED IN THE GARDEN


SEVEN TOP TIPS


preventing access for even the most active worm looking for food.


2. Smells


Minty smells are especially effective at putting off from aphids and ants. Plant spearmint or the slightly prettier pennyroyal throughout your garden to keep pests away, giving you space to enjoy eating al fresco in peace. Wasps and hornets are found in almost every garden over summer, and mint will also repel them. Spray the garden areas that are frequently covered in wasps with some peppermint oil in diluted water, one part to five.


Mosquitos are most active on


warm evenings, so cover up any bare skin to prevent getting bitten. Instead of using chemical-based products to repel the nasty biters, opt for crushed lavender flowers. Rub the mixture on areas that are particularly sensitive and susceptible to bites. The fragrance and oils produced repel adult mosquitoes, and lavender has analgesic, antifungal, and antiseptic qualities, meaning it will also calm and soothe the skin.


3. Natural insecticides


Natural insecticides generally have a botanical base, meaning they are derived from plants with insecticidal properties. These are still poisonous to pests and should be used as a last hope for gardeners trying to grow crops. However, compared to chemical pesticides, they have fewer toxic effects and are better for the


“These pest control suggestions also offer eco-friendly alternatives.”


environment. Natural insecticides like pyrethrum can be sprayed on vegetables, flowers, ornamentals, and indoor plants to kill a range of pests. It gets rid of insects, including aphids, flea beetles, flies, and spider mites.


4. Salts Slugs are soft-bodied animals that are persistent and widespread pests. They can cause damage throughout the year on a wide range of plants, munching holes in leaves, stems, flowers, and bulbs. These slimy pests are not only a nuisance, but they also leave nasty shiny track marks on the surfaces where they have been. Sea salt is super coarse, and throwing it on them or laying it around their entry point into the house on them will kill them instantly.


5. Sprays Strong smells repel some insects, but scents aren’t the only thing you can spray at pests to get them gone. Ants can multiply from nowhere, as soon as it seems like you have finally got rid of them! A foolproof way to get them gone and keep them gone is by mixing a vinegar and water solution, 50/50, in a spray bottle. When sprayed directly onto ants, it will kill them. It is also a significant deterrent to keep


ants away when sprayed around windowsills, doorways and other ant entry points into the home. It works so well because ants hate the smell of vinegar, and it removes the scent trails that they use to get around.


6. Covering up Birds can cause significant problems when it comes to edible crops by removing leaves and buds. This can happen quickly as birds often feed in flocks and target gardens early in the morning when they’re less likely to be disturbed. Covering plants with netting or fleece is a good idea, but make sure to peg the material into the ground. If birds are a persistent problem in your space, try making items to scare them, such as hanging old CDs or aluminium cans along wires to flash sunlight.


7. Leaving bait This is the last resort for those with a severe roach problem. The hard-shelled stinkers are mainly nocturnal, meaning that it is easier to spot their signs than the pests themselves. To repel cockroaches effectively and naturally from the garden, use borax powder. It is commonly used in detergents, but it is a great way to attract and then kill unsuspecting roaches when it is mixed with sugar. Sprinkle it around the places a cockroach has been spotted. It may take a few weeks to be fully effective, so keep it well out of the way of pets and kids in the meantime.


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