While we all want to do our bit for biodiversity, that doesn’t mean we want to sacrifice all our lettuces to slugs, or let aphids run riot on our roses. Unfortunately, insecticides can harm a lot more wildlife than just the pests you’re targeting. If you’re looking for bee-safe, non-toxic insect repellents, you’re in the right place…
Keep aphids at bay naturally
Bluetits love munching on aphids, so one of the best solutions for keeping these tiny green pests under control is encouraging birds into your garden. If you’re struggling with an aphid infestation, however, try diluting a squirt of eco-friendly washing up liquid or Mulieres Multi-Purpose Cleaner in a bottle of water and spraying it over the affected area. Then use the following homemade aphid repellent to keep them away:
- Slice a few cloves of garlic
- Add the slices to a pan of boiling water and simmer for 20 minutes
- Allow to cool
- Pour the water into a spray bottle through a sieve
- Add a squirt of Dr Bronner’s Castile Soap
- Shake to mix
- Spray onto roses and other plants every few days
Aphids loathe the smell of garlic, so they should stay well away. The same spray should also help to deter caterpillars and ants.
Natural insect repellent
Castile soap is a fantastic natural insecticide. If you have a dog, try washing it with castile soap regularly to kill any rogue fleas. For veggie patches and other plants, make your own DIY garden pest spray by mixing:
- One litre of water
- One teaspoon of Dr Bronner’s Castile Soap
- Half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or half a teaspoon of cinnamon
Bird-friendly slug repellent
Birds and hedgehogs love feasting on slugs, so it’s best to avoid toxic slug pellets. Instead, try creating a barrier with broken eggshells as they don’t like to cross rough surfaces. You could also try copper tape around pots and other containers.
Permaculture
Slugs, snails and insects are naturally attracted to some plants and repelled from others. You can use this to your advantage, by drawing them to ‘sacrificial’ plants and steering them away from others. Planting garlic is said to keep moles, aphids and carrot flies away, for example. French marigolds (as well as looking pretty), help to deter whitefly. Hyssop repels cabbage white butterflies, and ants tend to steer clear of areas with lots of mint. Many insects love nasturtiums, so plant them in pots to draw insects away from the flowers, fruit and veg you want to save.
Natural spider repellent
There’s an urban legend that dotting conkers around your home will keep spiders away. While there’s no proof this works, lots of people swear by it. If you’d rather use something that’s tried and tested, go for Ecozone’s Naturally Formulated Spider Repellent. It won’t harm spiders, but it will keep them at bay if you spray it around doors, windows and cracks where the eight-legged beasts might get in. The spray is made from essential oils diluted in water, so is safe for pets, children and other living creatures.
Deter dust mites and moths
Dust mites can trigger allergies and aggravate asthma. Thankfully, one application of
Ecozone’s Naturally Formulated Dust Mite Stopper helps to protect your home from dust mites for up to six months! It’s vegan, natural, cruelty-free and child and pet-friendly. Ecozone’s range also includes the Naturally Formulated Moth Repellent, which is safe to use on all fabrics.