Natural Pesticides for Your Lawn

A green healthy lawn is every homeowner's dream. Pests and insects that damage lawns are not. Chemicals can be harmful to both people and the environment, making natural insecticides and pesticides an appealing alternative. There are several options that will take care of specific lawn pests.

Nematodes

Grubs, sod webworms, chinch bugs are the most common lawns pests and can be controlled with applications of beneficial nematodes, which are microscopic, soil-dwelling worms. When applied to a lawn they search for pre-adult insects like grubs. After invading the body of the grub, the nematodes release a bacteria that infects and kills them. Even as they lay dead they emit the bacteria that continues to act as a natural pesticide. Beneficial nematodes are shipped in an easily dissolved clay formulation that you mix with water. They also come in a liquid that can be sprayed with regular garden sprayers.

Milky spore powder

Milky spore powder is an effective control for Japanese beetle grubs and can be very effective. Apply with a broadcast spreader several times a year for several years and your lawn should become barren of the white grubs. The best time to apply is in the late summer or early fall when a fresh batch of grubs has hatched. Water after spreading so the spores have a chance to infiltrate the lawn as a natural pesticide.

Milky spore powder is compatible with most lawn chemicals including fertilizers as well as grass seed. It is safe around pets and children. It is available from local gardening stores or Home Depot.

Neem oil

Another alternative is neem oil, a vegetable oil that can be used as a natural pesticide. It is extracted from the neem tree, native to India. Neem oil is not used for cooking but was a traditional healing oil that was found to have insecticidal properties. It can act as a repellent, deterring feeding, insect growth and egg laying. Mix the neem oil with water as directed on the label and spray the diluted solution generously on affected areas as a safe insect spray. It is available in concentrated forms or in spray bottles.

Liquid Compost Tea

Fungal diseases can be successfully treated with several light applications of compost or liquid compost tea. You can make your own tea or purchase a pre-made variety. Compost tea is simply made by steeping compost in water. Fill any plastic container, from a bucket to a 55-gallon drum, half way with composting material and cover with water. Aeration is important to making composting tea so you need to be able to stir it frequently. It only takes 2 to 3 days to steep the tea, so make sure you can use it as soon as its ready or it will grow harmful bacteria that will kills your plants. Strain the compost tea before using. Dilute the tea with water in a spray bottle and apply directly to the lawn. This is a great natural pesticide that will kill harmful fungus.

Sources:

http://www.beyondpesticides.org/pesticidefreelawns/resources/index.htm

http://live.psu.edu/story/24796