Starting an integrated pest management program in your garden (Video)

The environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines an Integrated Pest Management program (IPM) as an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common sense approaches. Such a program can be used in non-agricultural settings, such as your backyard. Last week, scientists shared a study which revealed that mosquitoes adapt to the smell of the pesticide DEET after a short exposure of only three hours. And while many of us were already concerned with continued applications of DEET infused pesticides and were seeking alternatives, this latest gives us an opportunity to initiate an IPM and possibly save some money, and maintain good (better) health, while doing so. How, you ask? You do so by introducing natural insect repellent plants into your yard’s environment.

There are many naturally occurring substances that, not only repel mosquitoes, but many other pests as well. Several oils such as citronella, lemon eucalyptus, rosemary, geranium, clove and castor all have properties adverse to the biting insects; and the same holds true for plants that produce the oils, besides. In fact, you’re probably already growing one or more of the more popular varieties. An example, the ever popular Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) contain the ingredient pyrethrum, widely used in many pesticides and have an odor that’s unpleasant to the pests. Likewise, scented geraniums (many varieties) are also a good mosquito repellent and can be utilized to combat beetles and other insects when used as a companion plant in your garden.

Marigolds like these are a popular summer item sold across the Delaware Valley. Planted along your walkway and throughout your garden, they can provide relief against mosquitoes and other garden pests.

Photo credit: 

BJ McCargo

Double-duty herbs are a must to jump start any backyard IPM program. More than a few of the most recognized varieties-thyme, rosemary, basil, sage, garlic, clove, eucalyptus, lavender and peppermint-work just as hard for you in your kitchen as they do for you in your garden. You might want to plant some in containers leading up to your front door or on your patio out back. Herbs can also be dried out, placed in sachets and left in strategic locations inside your home. Experiment with the many different varieties and find the ones most suited for your environment. It’s easy to do, it’s fun and it might provide you some relief once you really start to crank up your grill this summer.

Insect Repellent Plant Websites

http://www.wellsweep.com/

Well Sweep Herb Farm

http://www.territorialseed.com/product/14372

Territorial Seed Company – Lemon Grass

http://www.territorialseed.com/product/1478

Territorial Seed Company – Sweet Basil

http://www.territorialseed.com/category/13/a

Territorial Seed Company – Herb Catalog

http://www.springhillnursery.com/geranium-mix-83064.html

Spring Hill Nursery – Geranium Mix

Natural Insect Repellent Websites

http://www.burtsbees.com/other/peppermint-products/herbal-insect-repellent.html

Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/natural-insect-repellents-460608#slide-1

The Daily Green – Off-the-shelf and Homemade Natural Insect Repellents

http://chemistry.about.com/od/healthbeautyprojects/a/naturalinsectrepellent.htm

About.com Chemistry – Natural Insect Repellent Recipe

http://eartheasy.com/live_natpest_control.htm

Earth Easy – Natural Pest Control

http://www.webmd.com/health-ehome-9/safer-bug-spray

Web MD – Natural Bug Repellents

For more info: Integrated Pest Management Principles