Pests

By: Charlene Rennick

If you think you have an insect infestation, there are many effective organic substances that will destroy bugs without causing harm to the plant, the environment or people.

The chrysanthemum flower produces a substance called Pyrethrin, which is a base for many organic pest control products.  While it is safe for the plant and the environment, it is poisonous to humans and animals.  Rapeseed extract is another green product usually mixed with canola oil.  This mixture gets rid of bugs in any stage of their life cycle, including eggs and larvae.  Oxygen cannot penetrate the oil barrier so the insects suffocate.  This type of pest control does not evaporate quickly so it is not necessary to re-use it throughout the metamorphoses.  It is also handy because it prevents other bugs from arriving and feeding on the exterior leafy growth.  The bug cannot penetrate the barrier or stick to the foliage while they chew.

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By: Charlene Rennick

There are many ways that plant growth can be disrupted; insufficient light, water, nutrients, humidity level or root development.  In a hydroponic garden, these environmental controls are stabilized by the gardener, but occasionally indoor plants can be compromised by outside influences.  Insects can destroy a crop in a relatively short period of time if you are not prepared for the onslaught.

Bugs are sneaky.  They can hitchhike into your home on fresh produce, potted plants, clothing or through an open door.  These chompers with wings have different ways of attacking a plant.  They can munch off the leaves it needs for development before it flowers or infiltrate the growing medium around the root system.  Much like a military operation, the invasion of the insect is organized, swift and specific.  These flying teeth have goals.  Sometimes an insect invasion is specific to one species of plant while others create a wider scope of destruction.

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