Organic Pest Control - Kill the bugs; not the plants!

In response to awesome blogger comments!!!

How exactly do organic pesticides work?

Nature has given us plant extracts that make very effective pesticides and insect repellents. For example, some organic pest control products such as Orange Guard use a citrus-fruit peel base, such as from lemons and oranges. Citrus oils kill many flying and crawling insects on contact by destroying the waxy coating of the insect's respiratory system.

Other organic pesticides use natural extracts to repel rather than kill pests. Some products use garlic or hot peppers and essential oils of herbs such as cloves to repel insects and other pests.

Before you use any kind of pesticide, organic or otherwise, you should think about trying out natural techniques such as companion planting. And remember, healthy plants growing in good soil and with the proper amount of sunlight will be more resistant to pests and diseases.
Companion planting involves using certain plants in combinations to keep pests away and strengthen the plants’ immune systems. While companion planting will not solve all your pest problems, it is a very handy and natural way to help your plants.


For example: I planted Basil because its known to keep the bugs away. So far i haven't had much of a problem with bugs, in conjunction to using an organic spray. Just a few birds have eaten my tomatoes!

 This is an organic pesticide I've been using but there are many out there to try! Ortho Insecticidal Soap