How To Use Natural Pesticides In Agriculture?

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Organic farming adapts us to working with nature. We learn and experience biodiversity at its finest. However, it requires consistent attention and can get a little overwhelming at times.

Natural pesticides need to be studied before use. But the long-term benefits and their versatility is what we’re here to explore.

So here’s taking a closer look at some of the most efficient natural pesticides and their uses:

Bacillus Thuringiensis

Bacillus thuringiensis

This is a species of bacteria usually found in particular soils but is generally store-bought to act on pests. It is known for producing proteins that are noxious to some insects. It’s available in the form of spray and powder as an insecticide. It’s used on caterpillars: cabbage worm, tomato hornworm, tobacco hornworm, European corn borer, and fall webworm.

Diatomaceous Earth

This comes from the fossilized remains of an aquatic animal that have been crumpled into a fine white powder. Beetles, worms, fleas, mites, and spiders, are deterred from using this pesticide. Its sharp, edgy molecule are able to go through the waxy layer of the insect’s skin, henceforth dehydrating and killing it.

DE is also used in the manufacture of skin exfoliators, toothpaste, and facial scrub.

It’s non-toxic and can be consumed by humans. DIY pest control methods are always safe to get rid of pests.

Kaolin Clay

This natural mineral fertilizer is used in the production of fine porcelain in China. Its varied uses make it an essential tool in gardening in general. It’s used to prevent plants from heatstroke and is vastly used in fruit development.

Its process works by creating a barrier between the plants and the pest that causes irritation to the animal. It’s dissolved with one gallon of water and liquid soap to form a mixture that can be sprayed upon the crop. It’s used to discourage insects such as grasshoppers, thrips, mites, psylla, Flea beetles, AppleMaggot, coding moths.

Neem Oil

This is the most cost-effective as well as a popular way to protect your crops from the prying eyes of those insects. It includes an effective called azadirachtin, which is toxic for the insect. Once ingested, it can cause the animal to lose its appetite as well as stop mating. This consequently reduces their number in the garden.

The pesticides mentioned in this article are entirely natural and are incorporated within small organic farming systems and gardening. For large-scale pest removal, other options can be considered.