Avoid using toxic pesticides

THE BEST thing you can do for your home and garden environ- ment is to stop using chemicals that are toxic and therefore harm- ful.

Until relatively recently, we us- ed products derived from nature ty control everything from insect pests to weeds. Those products are still available to us, though some- times we have to mix them at home from a variety of materials.

Although using non-toxic pest- control methods means a bit more work and planning, and is not as immediately effective as spraying with chemical solutions, many people find the long-term benefits worth it.

The following are some natural pest-contro} methods.

* Plant onions, garlic, and -marigolds as a border or within your flower or vegetable beds. *Keep your plants and soil healthy and pest-resistant by fer- tilizing with natural fertilizers, such aS compost enriched with bone meal, peat moss, and mushroom manure. Many chemi- cal fertilizers contain pesticides, so read labels before purchasing. Overuse of chemical fertilizers can also kill good bacteria in the soil, leading to lowered resistance of your plants’ defences against harmful insects and disease.

© Rotate plantings within your garden.

© Encourage birds to visit your yard by installing a bird bath and feeding stations. Remember, birds eat many of the insects we find objectionable.

® Pick off pests by hand, o7 wash them off outdoor plants (preferably in the morning) with a strong spray of water from the hose.

© Spray or sponge pest-infested plants with non-toxic soap, then rinse. You can buy environmental-

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© To discourage ants from com- ing into the house, pour a line of cream of tartar, red chili powder, paprika, or dried peppermint leaves at their point of entry. To repel ants outdoors, plant onions and beans close together.

¢ For caterpillar pests, including loopers, leaf-rollers, tent caterpil- lars, and cutworms, apply Bacillus thuringiensis, a commercially available bacteria, when the pests are small. This naturally occurring bacteria is deadly to nearly 200 garden pests, but is harmless to

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e For slugs and snails, set out shallow dishes of beer at soil level. Beer traps also kill earwigs effec- tively, and so does a spray made with three tablespoons of soap to a gallon of water,

* To discourage mosquitoes in your picnic or play area, try burn- ing citronella candles and placing potted basil plants in the area. Non-toxic personal mosquito repellents include citronella_ oil and mint, both of which smell better than garlic (which also repels mosquitoes effectively!). Be warned, however, that mosquitoes are one of the hardest pests to discourage.

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