How to Get Rid of Pests in your Garden Naturally (Moles, Snails, Slugs, Aphids, etc.)

If you have a garden, you probably have pests and although there is an ample selection of pesticides, you may not want to spray poison on your plants. This hub will give you step-by-step instructions on how to naturally get rid of unwanted pests.

Desirable Insects

Bees are often a good way to keep your garden growing. You can attract them by adding plants to your garden that are blue, purple, yellow and white. There are also some other insects like butterflies that are good for your garden. Here is a short list of what plants to put in your garden to attract these insects:

Lavender

Heather

Thyme

Blackberry

Lilac

Escallonia

Snails are one of the most destructive creatures in gardens, but don't worry. There is a way to get rid of them. Most people say to track them down and pour salt on them, but this is neither humane nor effective. Others also tend to feed them slug pellets, which are poisonous and are eventually eaten by birds. To really rid your garden of slime trails, follow these simple steps:

1. Bury a small to medium-sized bowl in the ground near your plants.

2. Fill the bowl with beer.

3. Leave the beer there over night and clean it out in the morning.

Why this works

Snails are attracted to the scent of beer and milk. You can choose to use milk if you would rather, but I find that it isn't as effective and much more disgusting to clean out afterward. The snails will go to the bowl and drink the beer. While they are under the influence, they will drown in the beer.

For Potted Plants

If you have potted plants that are being damaged by snails, simply rub Vaseline on the outside and rim of the pot. The snails won't be able to climb up the pot and your plants will be safe.

Moles, ground squirrels, voles and other rodents like these can tear up a whole garden overnight. In order to prevent them from invading, follow these steps:

1. Dig holes in the ground about six inches deep and four inches wide.

2. Place empty, plastic soda bottles (or glass bottles, but plastic is less dangerous) in the holes and bury them so that about one to two inches are exposed.

Others suggest setting traps at the entrances to their holes. Most of the time, you will be able to relocate them safely this way, but there is a chance that you might put them in danger. Also, they live in groups, so you would have to trap and relocate many of them over time.

Why this works

Rodents will hear the wind blowing over the tops of the bottles and it will scare them out of making their home in your garden. This is much more humane than killing the poor things. They will naturally relocate to a quieter place.

Aphids can take over a plant quickly. To get rid of the ones already on your plants, spray them with high-pressure water. To prevent them in the future, follow these steps:

1. Gently wash your plants with a hose.

2. Mix one quart of water with two tbsp of canola oil and three drops of soap.

3. Put the mixture into a spray bottle and spray your plants.

4. Put ladybugs in your garden.

Why this works

Ladybugs defend your garden against aphids. You can find a ladybug nettle (a group of their eggs) somewhere in your garden. The will eat up to 5,000 aphids per year and will continue to reproduce, protecting your garden for life.