In the past, many people have turned to chemical pesticides to get rid of critters and weeds lurking in their yards. However due to the detrimental environmental and health impacts of chemical pesticides, many municipalities in Canada have banned the use of these harmful substances.

According to Health Canada, chemical pesticides, including insecticides and herbicides, have been linked to severe health problems, such as cancers (e.g. breast cancer, leukemia) and neurological disorders--with children and pets at the most risk. In addition, pesticides are dangerous to the environment, causing groundwater pollution and subsequently damaging wildlife food chains. Pesticides can also contribute to air pollution when chemical particles become airborne. They can then contaminate other areas.

But you don’t need these destructive chemical pesticides to have a beautiful garden or lawn. It’s easy to make your own eco-friendly pesticides and fungicides without risking harm to you, your family, your pets or the environment. Going pesticide- free provides a safe, natural surface for children and pets to play on. Plus you may have most of the tools and ingredients already at your finger tips!

Tip #1: The need to weed

The best defense against weeds is to ensure your lawn is thick (to crowd out the weeds and prevent their seeds from sprouting). To ensure a healthy thick lawn apply a 3-5 cm layer of lawn soil/ compost in early/spring and spread new grass seeds. If weeds still manage to grow, the best way to get rid of them is to pull them out by hand. When doing it by hand, ensure the whole root is removed. As a lawn becomes healthier year over year, there will be fewer weeds to pull.

Another option to get rid of weeds is xeriscaping. Xeriscape is designing landscaped areas so that its water requirements correspond closely to the natural precipitation. Appropriate plant selection will further reduce the need for fertilizer and pesticide use. Visit Agriculture and Agri- Food Canada’s website for more information.

Tip #2: How to make insecticidal soap spray

Pure soap mixed with water is a natural insecticide for the control of some sap-sucking insect pests, including aphids and mealybugs. It is a contact insecticide and works by breaking down the insect’s exoskeleton, causing it to dehydrate and die

Preparation

• one to two tablespoons liquid soap
• one quart of water.

Combine ingredients in a bucket, mix, then transfer to a spray bottle as needed.

Tip #3: Garlic bulbs repel more than just vampires

A popular recipe to control caterpillars, mosquitoes and aphids is garlic spray.

Preparation

• Soak three to four ounces of chopped garlic bulbs in two tablespoons of mineral oil for one day
• Dissolve one teaspoon of fish emulsion in a pint of water and add it to your solution. Stir.
• Strain liquid and store in a glass container (not metal). Dilute one part solution to every 20 parts of water

Other uses for garlic include

• Planting it under fruit trees to prevent curly leaf and black spot and repel borers

(Note: Leaf curl is a plant disease which occurs in fruit trees. In severe cases the disease cause leaves on fruit trees to shrivel and drop). Black spot is a fungal disease which starts off as a black spot in the leaf and then it turns yellow and eventually the leaf falls off, and if it's really bad, the plant can die.)

• Keeping away red spider mites by planting it with tomatoes
• Repelling rabbits by spraying garlic pesticide on sweet potatoes
• Killing mosquitoes by spraying ponds with garlic-based oil.

Tip #4: Create your very own ‘ring of fire’ with chili spray

Chili spray may be useful for the control of chewing insects and aphids when sprayed directly onto the insect. It may also be used to deter feeding predators such as crickets and grasshoppers.

Preparation

• Blend 40 fresh chili peppers in one litre of water
• Add five grams of pure soap flakes to the blended chili mixture
• Apply as required undiluted.

Tip #5: Keep cute but uninvited guests away

Furry and ridiculously cute, squirrels can cause serious problems if they take a liking to your garden. You can repel squirrels, moles and gophers by placing jalapeņo peppers (mashed in a blender) within 4 inches of where your vegetables are planted. You can also try nutmeg and cinnamon, peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, chili powder or tabasco sauce.

Tip #6: Be patient and persistent

Not every tip will be effective in every garden on every occasion. And while natural methods are not as fast-acting as conventional chemical pesticides, they can be very effective as a preventative measure.

Beautiful, healthy lawns and garden are possible without the use of pesticides. Just give them a chance!