There is an increased interest in controlling pests such as slugs, aphids and caterpillers through natural organic methods. But, which are the most effective?

Hoverfly Pupae. Hoverfly are voracious eaters of aphids. A single hoverfly can eat several hundred aphids. As gardeners we can grow many companion plants which help to attract aphids – e.g. marigolds, poached egg plant. But, sometimes we need to help our hoverfly population get started. Companies can sell hoverfly pupae so that you can introduce them into your garden – and then let them do their best. Hoverfly Pupae at T&M

Beer Traps. You don’t need to buy any expensive equipment, just use an old plastic pot and some cheap beer (maybe landlord will let you have the excess spillage). Then use this beer for filling the plastic pots. Slugs will be attracted by the smell and drown themselves – the most humane method of killing!

Pond and Frogs

Another excellent natural predator of the slug is the common garden frog. If you build a pond then you should be able to attract frogs. Frogs can eat many slugs during the night and save you a lot of slug pellets. A cheap and environmentally friendly way to keep your slugs down

Birds

Birds such as bluetits and Thrushes can much their way through many garden pests such as slugs. Leave water and food to attract the birds into your garden.

Nemotodes for Caterpillars and Slugs

Caterpillars can destroy cabbages and certain plants. If you are lucky you will have an army of birds to eat them. But, this is usually insufficient. However, it is possible to get some nemotodes which when watered into your lawn at the right time will seek out and organically kill the caterpillars. Nemotodes for Caterpillars and Slugs

Related

• Organic methods for dealing with greenfly
• Tips for organic vegetables