Organic, Natural Insect Control Remedies

There are ways to keep insect pest populations at a controlled level without ever using any substances that could be harmful to you or to beneficial insects. This way also requires that you do less work. When planting your garden or landscape always leave a little room for "beneficial insect companion plantings." Companion planting is a practice by which you include plant types that draw or lure beneficial insects into your garden. These beneficial insects will work to keep the bad bugs out of your garden. The following is just a few types of popular plants that you can include into your garden/landscape to lure beneficial insects.

Beneficial Insects & Companion Plants

Sweet Alyssum - This plant is very attractive when in bloom and provides a good nectar source for many adult beneficial insect species.

Basil - It's always a good idea to include basil in the vegetable garden at any time of year. The flowers are a rich source of pollen and nectarand you can use the leaves in the kitchen.

Dill - This is one of the best plants for luring beneficial insects into the garden. Dill flowers are very high in nectar and it is also one of the most useful of seasonings for cooking.

Mint - Any member of this family of plants is very useful in drawing beneficial insects into the garden.

Marigolds and Nasturtium - These can handle a slew of buggy challenges. They thwart bugs that can harm your tomatoes, potatoes and strawberries including tomato hornworms, squash bugs, and whiteflies. The smell of marigolds will help to also deter rabbits and squirrels.

Yarrows (Achillea) - Plant these to attract ladybugs and lacewings, both of which will kill and eat many bad insect pest's.