Today, the search for natural alternatives to pesticides has become increasingly important both in the agricultural sector and in households. Concern for the negative effects that chemicals have on our health and the environment This has prompted farmers, urban gardeners, and families to explore more ecological and sustainable options. Furthermore, the demand for healthy foods, free of toxic residues and with a lower environmental impact, has led to a strong resurgence of innovation and a return to traditional methods.
Combat pests without resorting to synthetic compounds It's possible and increasingly accessible thanks to decades of accumulated experience and experimentation with biopesticides and home remedies. From biological control using natural predators to plant extracts and smart agricultural practices, a variety of solutions are within your reach. Below, discover in detail all the keys, methods, and practical recipes to keep your crops and green spaces pest-free, without putting your environment or your health at risk.
Why avoid chemical pesticides?
Conventional pesticides have been, for years, the easy option to stop pests and diseases in crops.. However, they are becoming increasingly known more evidence about the harms associated with its use: groundwater contamination, soil degradation, reduction of soil fertility and air pollution.
Furthermore, They not only affect the organisms we want to eliminate, but also beneficial insects, birds, fish, and wildlife in general. Pesticide residues can reach us through food, and although there are legal limits, social concern about their impact on health continues to grow.
Ecological and health problems, along with the resistance that many pests are developing to chemicals, make it essential to seek natural and sustainable alternatives.
Three fundamental pillars in ecological pest control
The best strategies to keep crops healthy and productive They go far beyond applying natural productsThe modern, green approach is based on integrating several tactics that work together, as detailed below:
1. Biocontrol or biological pest control
El Biocontrol is based on the use of natural enemies of pestsIt's a method that's been proven since ancient times—citrus crops were already protected by introducing ant colonies to combat harmful insects in 4th-century China—but today there are much more sophisticated solutions.
Currently, they are used specific predators such as ladybugs and parasitoid wasps against aphids, or microscopic nematodes that attack soil pests. beneficial microorganisms: the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is widely used for its ability to kill insect larvae without harming other organisms.
The great advantage of biocontrol is its selectivity: acts only against the target pest, avoiding collateral damage. In addition, it promotes natural balance and can be part of an integrated plan that minimizes the use of any pesticide, even natural ones.
2. Polycultures and smart agricultural practices
El Polyculture consists of planting different varieties on the same land. This not only reduces the occurrence of pests, but promotes the overall health of the agricultural system and prevents devastating epidemics, which are common in monocultures.
There is an extremely effective method, complementary planting. For example, combine tomatoes and cabbage: Tomatoes repel cabbage moths. Planting basil next to tomatoes It also helps keep flies and mosquitoes away. Using these associations allows you to create natural barriers and reduce the impact of pests without resorting to external products.
Other recommended practices include: crop rotation, which makes it difficult for pests to adapt to the environment, and the promotion of biodiversity in the field, increasing the habitat of natural predators.
3. Natural barriers and repellents
The plant barriers —grass lines, hedges, or specific plants—can divide the field and provide refuge for beetles and spiders, allies in the fight against aphids and other pests. use of meshes over windows and beds helps keep mosquitoes away from the home.
In orchards and gardens, create rings of ash, crushed eggshell, or diatomaceous earth around plants, it is very effective against snails, slugs and caterpillars. Coffee grounds, mint, bay leaves and chili peppers are other good examples of natural repellents that can be easily used at home.
Biopesticides: The Natural Products Revolution
The biopesticides They include a whole range of products formulated from living organisms or plant extracts. Some notable examples include:
- pyrethrum: Extract of dried chrysanthemum flowers, known since ancient Persia. It paralyzes insects and is suitable for combating lice and crop pests.
- neem oil: extracted from a tree common in India, it contains limonoids that effectively repel insects, especially locusts, aphids and other invaders.
- Rosemary essential oil: efficient repellent for aphids and certain fungi.
- Bacillus thuringiensis: a bacterium used as a biological spray against butterfly and beetle larvae; harmless to humans and animals.
- Beneficial fungi and bacteriaIn modern agriculture, they are increasingly used to protect soybean, cereal and vegetable crops.
Thanks to its low toxicity and focused effect, biopesticides minimize environmental pollution and the appearance of residues in consumer products. rapid degradation in the environment reduces the risk of accidental poisoning and promotes ecological balance.
Home remedies and organic insecticides for gardens and orchards
In domestic spaces and small gardens, homemade insecticides They are a simple, economical, and environmentally friendly tool. Below we've compiled some of the most recommended and easy-to-prepare recipes:
Garlic spray
El Garlic is a powerful natural insect repellentCrush a head of garlic with several cloves and mix with two glasses of water. Let it sit for a day, add three liters of water, and spray on the affected leaves. It is especially effective against aphids.
Milk and bicarbonate fungicide
Mix 800 ml of water with 200 ml of milk (skimmed milk is best), add 20 g of baking soda per liter, and spray on the plants. It is ideal for preventing or treating pests. fungi such as powdery mildew, downy mildew and rust. Apply preferably at dusk or after rain.
tomato insecticide
Use chopped tomato leaves (two cups) in water, let it macerate overnight, dilute the mixture and spray it on the plants. Alkaloids act as a repellent for aphids, worms and caterpillarsCaution: Do not apply near pets, as it may be toxic to them.
Eggshells
The shells can be crushed and scattered around plants to create a effective barrier against snails and caterpillars. In addition, they provide calcium to the soil.
Control snails and slugs
- Wood ash: Sprinkle ash remains at the base of the plants.
- Beer: Bury a jar of beer, as its smell will attract slugs and snails.
- Caffeine: Dissolve 2% caffeine in water and surround the plants.
Pepper and onion spray
Blend a handful of peppercorns with two cups of water, let it sit, and strain it; mix in a glass of water before applying. For the onion paste, blend three onions in water, let it sit overnight, and strain it before using. They are effective against red spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids.
Citrus orange oil
Combine three tablespoons of organic liquid soap with 30 ml of orange oil and four liters of water. Spray the mixture to repel ants and cockroaches.
Home Solutions: Ecological Prevention and Control
La prevention is key to prevent pest infestations inside your home. Sealing cracks, cleaning thoroughly, and storing food properly can save you from bigger problems. Also use natural repellents Such as vinegar, which not only repels ants and mosquitoes but also acts as a disinfectant. Other effective household products include:
- Borax and diatomaceous earth: Spread in critical sites, they eliminate insects on contact.
- Chalk, talc, boric acid: useful as non-toxic barriers in passage areas.
- Adhesive traps or attractants with pheromones for specific pests.
La introduction of essential oilsHerbs such as lavender, lemon, geranium, lemon balm, or pennyroyal work well as a repellent for flying insects and moths. We can also hang sachets containing rosemary, lavender, or lavender to keep clothes moths at bay. For rodents, physical traps, whether deadly or live, are effective and avoid hazardous substances. Bait traps can also be used, which operate with minimal risk to children and pets.
What advantages do natural insecticides offer?
Opt for natural insecticides and biopesticides It has various benefits, both for health and the environment:
- low toxicity for people, pets and wildlife.
- Selective focus: They only attack the target pest and do not affect other organisms, helping to maintain ecological balance.
- They do not leave hazardous waste in the harvested products, which guarantees their safe consumption.
- Rapid degradation in the environment, minimizing risks of environmental pollution.
- Prevent resistance which tend to develop many pests when faced with traditional pesticides.
- They contribute to improving crop yield, protecting them without damaging them.
Its success lies in correct application and in combining these practices with sustainable agricultural measures, such as promoting biodiversity, rotating crops and maintaining a balanced environment.