How to protect against garden pests
Healthy plants and a tidy garden are two foundation stones for keeping pests at bay. A well-nurtured plant that is watered and fed regularly will better withstand a pest onslaught. And a tidy garden will give fewer hiding places for pest predators to lurk.
When it comes to more active interventions, the solution will depend on what you are growing and the particular problem you have or are looking to prevent. Keeping pests at bay and unable to get close enough to munch on your plants and vegetables has got to be the first line of defence.
Another popular solution is to invite Pest Control Experts to help you to solve your garden pests problems. They will work with you on the best possible solution, which is both gentle to the nature and effective at the same time.
Install Netting or a Fruit Cage
Garden netting is surprisingly versatile when it comes to protecting against pests. The tiniest nets have an ultra-fine mesh size of 0.22mm x 0.80mm and will keep the smallest of insects away from plants and crops. This clear insect netting allows air and light to filter through and is lightweight enough to be laid directly over crops.
At the other end of the scale is a full-height walk-in fruit cage. The size and gauge of netting vary here too. Choosing a fruit cage depends on what you’re protecting your fruit from. If birds are your primary concern, be sure to select the right mesh size as different mesh sizes deter different species.
Plan a Defensive Planting Strategy
Defensive planting is a brilliant and decorative way to approach the problem. Start with mixing your planting so that the predator for the pest is attracted to the same area of the garden. So when planning your garden layout, research the opportunity to include plants that attract beneficial insects. They will make a significant dent in pest populations. If pests come in more oversized shapes like deer, muntjacs or rabbits, then the centuries-old technique of planting thick and spiny shrubs or trees to create defensive barriers can work a treat.
Protect Areas With Fences and structures
Although these are the less decorative route, putting up physical barriers are an instant solution compared with defensive hedges will take a while to establish. When combined with a hedge on either side that grows up around the wooden panels or wire mesh, it’s a belt and braces solution. If the perimeter barriers are breached, then there are still structures to rely on. A greenhouse or polytunnel, for example, will provide a perfect defence. As will a cloche or cold frame.
Install Traps and Tapes
As a final barrier to things that crawl or fly, there’s a whole host of options. Try slug traps, for example, or copper tape and slug bands to repel borders. A stickier approach can include insect barrier glue or yellow sticky traps to repel or retain invaders.
Chemicals
Ideally, these are to be avoided. Many off-the-shelf chemical sprays and remedies have noxious chemicals that are harmful to the environment and other friendly animal species. Making your own treatments for pests is easy and fun. All you need are a few basic ingredients like vinegar, salt, detergents and cooking oil.