How to Overcome The Limitations of Natural Insecticides.
Using natural insecticides as a means to control insect infestations will take a little more diligence and persistence then it would using their synthetic counterparts. Natural insecticides are not a quick fix but in the long run the extra work benefits everybody.
There are few things to keep in mind that will help you to be able to overcome the limitations of natural insecticides. But after these become second nature it will not seem so bad.
Most gardeners on seeing a bug go straight to the sprayer. After they drench everything within their garden they add a little bit more for good measure. Often they cannot determine a good bug from a bad bug and normally apply a broad based insecticide.
As we know there are beneficial insects that we want to encourage to remain in our garden and the last thing we want to do is kill all the bugs with a broad based insecticide. Taking the time to look to at which bugs are beneficial and that will actually continue to help control insect infestation is going to save you a lot of work in the long run.
Certain natural insecticides contain broad based insecticides. Whether you choose a commercially prepared natural insecticide or you whip one up yourself, keeping in mind what type of natural insecticides you are putting down is always a good idea. Choose the right natural insecticide for the job and if you don't have to use a broad based insecticide don't.
Choosing the right time of the day to apply your natural insecticide can determine whether it is effective. Certain natural insecticides cannot be applied during the hottest part of the day or during a heat wave as this can make the properties of the natural insecticide become inert. Many natural insecticides lose their potency after it rains or you water. Timing of the application of your natural insecticide to when it will be the most beneficial can help you overcome this limitation.
How you apply a natural insecticide can also contribute to its effectiveness. If you have leaves that are covered in aphids use your natural insecticide in liquid form and spray directly on the leaves. Using a natural insecticide in a powdered form to handle aphids under the leaves, isn't necessarily going to be as effective especially, if there's any kind of wind.
If you decide to make a tea out of your natural insecticide, to sprinkle on leaves or around the ground, it is always a good idea not to apply it during the hot part of the day. This can damage the plant by scorching the leaves and burning the plant in general. Also using the 'tea" around the base of your plant during the hottest part of the day could also shock the root system.
Another common limitation found when using natural insecticides is that they need to be applied more frequently than their synthetic counterparts during an infestation. As much as we enjoy the convenience of doing it once and being able to forget about it, there is a reason that synthetic insecticides keep on killing. Using a natural insecticide is much gentler on the ecosystem because it doesn't linger or slowly leech into the plant or ground. Many natural insecticides are safe to use right before harvest, as they do not remain within the plant. During an actual infestation it may be necessary to apply natural insecticides once a week or after a rain.
The use of natural insecticides may take a little bit more elbow grease when it comes to controlling insects that are harmful to your garden. Understanding the limitations of natural insecticides and preparing for them can help with your gardening success.
