Although some insects, like ladybugs, are beneficial and eat insects that will harm your plants, you might need extra assistance to keep out other pests. But pesticides are often unhealthy for the environment and your family. Fortunately, natural plant and landscape maintenance options like the following can eliminate pests. 

How to Deter Garden Pests Without Pesticides 

1. Keep the Soil Healthy

Healthy soil is the foundation for healthy plants, which can better fight off pests on their own. Adding natural fertilizers like seaweed or a fish-based product can add beneficial microbes to the soil. Dusting diatomaceous earth, a powdery substance made from sedimentary rock, on the soil can also keep pests at bay. It essentially dehydrates pests, particularly slugs and snails. 

2. Use Homemade Insect Repellant 

Certain plants, like chili peppers, tomatoes, and garlic, contain compounds that help naturally repel insects and prevent infestations. For example, to make tomato leaf repellant, chop two cups of tomato leaves and soak them in a quart of water overnight. Strain the leaves and put the remaining water in a spray bottle. Liberally coat your plants with the solution to keep pests away.

3. Know When to Act

If you spot the occasional pest, don’t immediately try to eliminate them. Landscape maintenance professionals note that leaving a few pests around as bait attracts beneficial insects and helps maintain a balanced ecosystem in your garden.

But if you see signs of an infestation, like holes and chew marks on leaves, slime trails, dying leaves, and yellow spots, remove the entire plant so the problem doesn’t spread. 

Planting native Hawaiian plants in your garden can also help keep invasive pests away. Find a wide variety of species at Hui Kū Maoli Ola Native Hawaiian Plant Specialists in Kaneohe, HI. Since 1992, this nursery has offered native plants as well as garden design, landscape maintenance, and habitat restoration services. Call (808) 235-6165 to inquire about their inventory, or visit them online to see their full range of plants.