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Fighting pests: A multi-pronged approach will help to save your garden from pests.

So, how do you protect the assortment of green and make it safe for humans, given the fact that insects and rodents sneak into there? How do you ensure that your garden has unpolluted air for breathing during your morning walk and your flowers are safe to smell? It is all in the use of the right pesticides.

The biggest threat to your garden is the unwanted insects that eat and destroy your plants and flowers. Pesticides are the only way out, but it is a high-risk factor in the long run. A seasoned gardener says, “The only way to get rid of the unwanted insects from your garden is the use of organic manures such as cow dung and smearing of special clay along with neem powder, salt and turmeric, which are healthy and environment-friendly. Planting neem at the sides of the compound is another protection, as it has anti-bacterial properties. Dried leaf and flowers from the garden and organic waste from the kitchen is a natural re-use manure by itself.” Not all insects are bad. Beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs kill unwanted pests. Chemical pesticides can destroy helpful insects too, along with the harmful ones, and pollute your soil. If you use chemical pesticides over and over, there is a hidden danger of the pests getting immune to them and attacking your garden. Natural pesticides are but the best way one can handle the issue.

Harmful insects can be dealt with only by tolerating helpful insects in your garden. “Another important point for a healthy and pest-free garden is to refrain from harming the local bird population. They are natural enemies of pests as pests are the best dishes for birds,” the gardener says. “The use of unhealthy chemicals will affect the birds too which could eventually destroy them in your neighbourhood. Silver oak and mango trees and sunflowers are what birds get attracted to. Plant them in your garden and place a bird bath that can help them become regular visitors.”

•Cover your garden with thin nets that act as perfect barriers. Flying insects get drastically reduced.

•Spraying soap solution by evening can help.

•Organic plant sprays such as a mixture of water and petroleum oil is an example for organic pest-control.

•Herbicides can be used to clear roadside weeds and trees. They can kill invasive weeds in parks and bushes, which may cause environmental damage.

•Uncontrolled pests such as termite can damage houses. Only regular sprays will keep them at bay.

•In the U.S., farmers get an estimated four-fold return on the money they spend on organic pesticides.

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