Protecting Plants
No Pests Allowed
Natural Defense Methods for Your Farm
By Lauren Bongard
It’ s probably happened to you. You step into the pantry and find mouse droppings. Your vegetables vanished overnight, thanks to a sneaky deer. Everyone left your party early after mosquitoes showed up.
Pest control can be a constant challenge, especially in the country. And if you don’ t want to use pesticides, it can feel like a monumental task. But there are strategies that combine deterrents, beneficial insects, companion planting and prevention so you can enjoy a pest-resistant property without loading up on toxins.
Scent Solutions to Pesky Invaders
While often associated with wellness trends, some essential oils are surprisingly effective as pest repellents. Although they won’ t chase away every type of pest or motivated critters, they can help.
Bugs and rodents don’ t like the scents of peppermint, eucalyptus and citronella. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water to make your own plant sprays or place scent-soaked cotton balls under sinks and along windowsills.
For unwanted garden guests, try homemade sprays made from garlic or hot peppers. One spicy bite often stops insects, deer and rabbits from nibbling. In the garden and along walkways, highly scented plants like marigolds, lavender and rosemary add beauty and deter unwanted visitors that are sensitive to smells.
Recruit Nature’ s Pest Patrol
Don’ t panic when you see spiders, ants and other bugs in your home or garden. They might look creepy and crawly, but not all insects are the enemy— in fact, some are valuable allies in the pest control fight. Ŋ Predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings help keep pests like aphids under control. Ŋ To draw pollinators like bees and butterflies, plant a mix of flowers and vegetables. Ŋ Ground beetles and garden spiders rely on mulch and natural debris, so leave undisturbed areas that give them places to live while they’ re enriching your garden’ s eco-diversity.
30 | 515-574-2341 | 515-574-2189 | February 2025