There are many natural ways to control or eliminate common garden pests such as aphids, white flies, tomato heart worms and spider mites without resorting to dangerous pesticides

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, pesticides have been linked to cancer, nerve damage, birth defects and other medical problems.

The serious dangers posed by pesticides require the adoption of natural options for pest control.

Three of the best methods of natural pest control are incorporating pest-repellent plants into your garden, encouraging pest-reducing insects to visit your plants and applying home-brewed non-toxic pesticides.

Plants that Repel Pests

There are a number of plants you can add to your garden that repel pests. These include:

    * Basil – asparagus beetles, tomato heartworms and thrips
    * Green Bean – Colorado potato beetles
    * Nasturtium – Colorado potato beetles and squash bugs
    * Tomato – asparagus beetles
    * Wormwood – slugs
    * Rue – aphids, cats, dogs, Japanese beetles, onion maggots, slugs and snails
    * Anise – aphids, snails and slugs
    * Borage – cabbage worms and tomato heart worms
    * Sage – cabbage loopers, carrot flies, flea beetles, imported cabbage worms and tomato heart worms
    * Thyme – cabbage loopers and white flies
    * Radish – cowpea curculio, cucumber beetles, harlequin bugs, Mexican bean leaf beetles, squash bugs and stink bugs
    * Garlic – aphids, cowpea curculio, flea beetles, Japanese beetles, Mexican been leaf beetles, root maggots, spider mites and squash vine borers
    * Onion – bean leaf beetle, cabbage loopers, carrot flies, flea beetles, harlequin bugs, Mexican bean leaf beetles, mice, rabbits, spider mites and squash vine borers
    * Potato – bean leaf beetles
    * Turnip – bean leaf beetles and harlequin bugs
    * Oleander – codling moths
    * Catnip – aphids, corn earworms, cucumber beetles, flea beetles, Japanese beetles, squash bugs and mice
    * Marigold – aphids, corn earworms, leaf hoppers, Mexican bean leaf beetles, rabbits, squash bugs, thrips and tomato heartworms
    * Hyssop – imported cabbage worms
    * Oregano – cabbage butterflies and cucumber beetles
    * Rosemary – imported cabbage worms and slugs
    * Dill – aphids, cabbage moths and spider mites
    * Lavender – mice, mosquitoes, moths, rabbits and ticks
    * Fennel – aphids, slugs, snails and spider mites
    * Pennyroyal – ants
    * Mint – ants, aphids, cucumber beetles, flea beetles, imported cabbage worms, rodents, squash bugs and white flies
    * Tansy – ants, cucumber beetles, Japanese beetles and squash bugs
    * Coriander/Cilantro – aphids, Colorado potato beetles and spider mites
    * Horseradish – potato beetles
    * Geranium – Japanese beetles, leaf hoppers
    * Butterfly (white) Sage – asparagus beetles
    * Larkspur – Japanese beetles
    * Chives – aphids, Japanese beetles and spider mites
    * Cloves – cowpea curculio, spider mites and squash vine borers
    * Lettuce – carrot flies
    * Petunia – leafhoppers, Mexican bean leaf beetles and squash bugs
    * Parsley – asparagus beetles and carrot flies

Companion Planting

There are a number of plants that can protect other plants from pests and disease and improve the flavour of certain food plants. Some examples include:

    * Basil planted near tomatoes improves flavor and protects against a variety of pests.
    * Oregano planted near cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber or grape vine repels pests that attack these plants
    * Garlic helps prevent disease in rose canes and raspberry
    * Borage repels pests that attack tomatoes and attracts pollinators to squash, tomatoes and strawberries.
    * Horseradish planted at the corners of a potato patch with beans also planted nearby repels potato beetles
    * Chives planted near apples help to control apple scab.
    * Chives planted near roses reduce the risk of “black spot” and repel aphids.
    * Chives planted near tomatoes and carrots repel pests and improve the flavor of the vegetables
    * Petunias repel pests that attack beans

Make Your Own Non-Toxic Pest Repellents and Insecticidal Soaps

North Carolina’s Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance offers a number of recipes for non-toxic pesticides that you can make at home and apply to your plants with a spray bottle, including the following:

    * Grind 3 large onions, 1 bunch of garlic and 3 hot peppers. Mix with water and leave overnight in a covered container. In the morning, strain through fine strainer or cheesecloth and add sufficient water to produce approximately one gallon (16 cups) of pesticide.

    * Soak 10-15 diced garlic cloves in a pint (2 cups) of mineral oil for 24 hours. Strain and add to a spray bottle.

Annie B. Bond, Care2 Green Living Executive Producer, offers a recipe for all-natural insecticidal soap spray, which uses 1-2 tablespoons of a natural liquid soap such as Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile soap in a quart (4 cups) of water. Once this solution is mixed, it can be added to a spray bottle.

Attract Beneficial Predators Such as Ladybugs, Praying Mantises, Dragonflies and Spiders

Another method of natural pest control is attracting ladybugs to your garden. Ladybugs are voracious consumers of aphids and other garden pests. Plants that attract ladybugs include Angelica, Caraway, Cilantro, Coreopsis, Cosmos (particularly white), Dandelions, Dill, Fennel, Geraniums, Tansy and Yarrow.

Ladybugs can also be purchased from certain garden supply stores.

There are other insects that can aid in pest control, such as praying mantises and dragonflies. Spiders (which are arachnids rather than insects) are also highly beneficial.

Further Reading

For more information on gardening, please see Butterfly Gardening and Hummingbird Gardening.

References:

    * Art Knapp Information Library. (n.d.). “Plants That Repel Pests.” ArtKnapp.com.
    * Bond, A.B. (30 May 1999). “Homemade Insecticidal Soap Spray.” Care2.com.
    * City of Carlsbad, Public Works, Municipal Water Division. (2007). “Plants That Repel Pests.” Carlsbadca.gov.
    * Environmental Protection Agency. (2007). “Pesticides and Food: Health Problems Pesticides May Cause.” EPA.gov.
    * Ferragine, F. (n.d.) “12 Pest-Repelling Herbs.” CanadianLiving.com.
    * Government of Yukon. (2007). “Natural Pest Control for Your Garden.”
    * Hamir, A. (2008). “Luring Ladybugs Into Your Garden - Garden Pest Tip.” GardenGuides.com.
    * North Carolina Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance (DPPEA). (n.d.) “Home Brewed Pest Control.” P2pays.org.

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Boric Acid, sometimes called "Borax" (Borax is slightly different chemically),  is the safest of all pesticides - from cockroaches and ants to fleas and termites - and a biocide against fungus and mold. Boric Acid has been proven across generations, and has numerous usages.
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Boric acid and hydrogen peroxide also is the best solution to mold, including "toxic black mold".
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 Many pesticides are extremely harmful to the human nervous system, so safer, non-toxic remedies are a wise choice. All natural Boric Acid is the "secret ingredient" in so many commercial treatments for insect control. It is a white powder, is nature's proven long-term treatment in eliminating Cockroaches, Palmetto bugs, Waterbugs, Ants, Silverfish, Carpenter Ants, and Termites. This chemical has many interesting and useful characteristics such as use as an insecticide, a preservative,and a fire retardant. This simple inexpensive, household chemical is deadly to all insects, and it is safe enough to use around children and pets.
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Boric Acid, mixed with diluted hydrogen peroxide, is an extremely potent fugicide against all forms of mold.
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Boric acid, if mixed with propylene glycol, makes an extremely effective anti-termite remedy that actually protects the wood - rather than just poisoning all the land around the house attempting to stop termites from reaching your house.
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Many pesticides are extremely harmful to the human nervous system and non-toxic remedies are a wise choice. Particularly dangerous and long-term damaging are "bug bombs" and other sprayed pesticides. The same chemicals used in such pesticides are the ingredients for warfare chemical weapons and act by attacking the nervous systems of insects - with the same effect on humans. When you set off a bug bomb, you are literally laying the entire interior of your house and all in it with chemical nerve agents - known also to cause cancers and numerous nervous system, internal organ and neurological damage.
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Older folks might remember the "20 Mule Team Borax" commercials. Boric Acid, a white powder, is mined from the Mojave Desert in California and is nature's proven long-term treatment in eliminating Cockroaches, Palmetto bugs, Waterbugs, Ants, Silverfish, Carpenter Ants, and Termites. Until recently, borax (boric acid) was as common in households as laundry and dishwashing soap. However, the high profitability of supposedly superior pesticides and cheap bleaches lead advertising promotion of those much higher profit - but also dangerous and toxic chemicals.
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To eliminate the mold and musty smell in your dishwasher, just add a tablespoon of boric acid to the water, let it sit 30 minutes, and the odor is gone.
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Borax  useful characteristics. A few are discussed here such as use as an insecticide, a preservative,and a fire retardant.
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The first use of borates as an insecticide was in 1922 when P.F. Harris invented the Roach Tablet. It evolved into many products including today’s “Roach Motel”.  By 1985 there were over 200 registered pesticides containing borates. Of course, the price paid for such products represents markups of 1,000%, 2,000% and more.
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In 1955 framing lumber in New Foundland began being treated with borates to control an epidemic of termite destruction. Since then, none of the homes using borate treated wood has had any infestation of termites or wood decay. In the 1970’s Europe and the US began studying borates for wood preserving properties. There was a huge lawsuit involving an US lumber company that put tropical hardwoods in over 1000 homes. The hardwood had beetles in the wood. The homes were treated with borates and the hardwood mills in South America began pre-treating their wood with borates. Since then there have been NO problems with beetles.
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As a general household insecticide Boric Acid is safe enough to use around children, and has been used in ointments and salves for diaper rash on babies. It is also used, in a very dilute solution, as an eyewash. However, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND AGAINST such usage. While generally safe compared to other chemicals, excessive amounts of boric acid in direct contact with skin or ingested is dangerous.
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Boric acid also is used as a fire retardant. It is the fire retardant used in all blown type cellulose insulation commonly used in homes.
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HOW BORIC ACID WORKS
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Boric acid is very mildly corrosive. If insects or pests come in contact with boric acid powder, it sticks to them. They also will eat it or consume it trying to lick it off.. The slow corrosive effect ultimately kills the pest, insect, eggs or  micro-organism by a slow, acidic effect as an interaction between  the organic substances of the pest and the boric acid. However, boric acid has no corrosive effects against carpeting, furniture etc. The acidic effect is so mild that it is not harmful to humans or pets unless consumed in huge quantities - with the same level of danger as table salt. Because it is a nature-based corrosive, rather than a chemical never agent, insects and pests can not develop a tolerance for it and it does not accumulate in the human (or pet's) fatty body tissues the way that chemical pesticides do.
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Although other highly toxic chemicals are put into many commercial treatments for insect control, in fact the actually strongest killing agent on the ingredient list is boric acid. Boric Acid is odorless and nonstaining. Kills roaches, termites carpenter ants, pharaoh ants, fire ants,  palmetto bugs, ticks, bedbugs,  fleas, carpet beetles, centipedes, crickets, earwigs, grasshoppers, millipedes, scorpions, slugs water bugs,and many other insects.
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Boric Acid also is used for eye wash, suppositories, yeast infections, and numerous other infection, pest, and insect control.
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Boric Acid can be used as an antiseptic only for minor burns or cuts and is sometimes used in dressings or salves or is applied in a very dilute solution as an eye wash. It is poisonous if taken internally or inhaled, although it is generally not considered to be much more toxic than table salt (based on its LD50 rating of 2660).
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Boric acid can be used to treat candidiasis (vaginal yeast infections) by filling gelcaps with boric acid powder and inserting two into the vaginal canal at bedtime for three to four nights in a row.
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It is also used as prevention of athlete's foot, by inserting powder in the socks or stockings.
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It is often used as a relatively nontoxic insecticide, for killing cockroaches, termites, fire ants, fleas, and many other insect. It can be used directly in powdered form for fleas and cockroaches, or mixed with powdered for ants. It is also a component of many commercial insecticides. In this use, especially in the case of cockroaches, the boric acid in the form of a powder is applied to areas frequented by the insects. The lightweight particles cling to the legs of the insects and eventually cause fatal chemical burns. Boric acid for this use in residential apartments is sold commercially in urban areas afflicted with cockroaches.
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Boric acid have been used since the time of the Greeks and Romans for cleaning, preserving food, and other activities.
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An EPA assessment of a boric acid pilot pest control program conducted at the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland found that boric acid was more economical and more effective than spray treatment. With boric acid's method of killing insects by becoming corrosive to the insect, insects do not gain resistance to borates. Borates are the most effective treatment for many crawling insects including, cockroaches, silverfish, larder beetles, carpenter ants, and other wood borers, as well as wood decay organisms .
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Ants : This homemade treatment has worked very well on both carpenter ants and pharaoh ants.  Here is one receipt well publicized by the columnist "Heloise:"
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COCKROACHES Exterminating Formula
8 ounces powdered boric acid
1/2 cup flour
1/8 cup sugar
1/4 cup cooking oil or bacon drippings
(or more to form a soft dough)
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Mix shortening and sugar, mix boric acid, and flour. Add to sugar, and oil. Blend well, then add more oil as needed to form a soft dough. Shape into small balls the size of marbles. (If balls are placed in opened, plastic sandwich bags, the dough will stay softer longer.) Place balls throughout the house in places normally inhabited by roaches (any dark, damp corner) and in the path of ants if this is a problem.  When dough becomes brick hard, replace with a fresh batch. This also will eliminate silverfish and many of the other pests that tend to gather under sinks and the backs of cabinets. This also can be used in dresser drawers, closets and anywhere else pests are a problem.
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TERMITES
Boric acid when mixed with propylene glycol (biodegradable form of anti-freeze) has proven to be very effective against many types of termites. The glycol helps the solution to penetrate into the wood and become a part of the wood fiber. This solution is a terrific treatment for dry rot in wood. If you need propylene glycol,
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CARPENTER ANTS
drill holes in wood surrounding infestation, fill with boric acid
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FLEAS
Simply sprinkle it on the carpet, ( same mix as above for silverfish) brush it in so it settles down and in the fiber, let it sit for about a week then vacuum and fleas will be gone, eggs and all!
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A Safe Surface Insecticide may be formulated by dissolving Boric Acid in plain water to make a 5% to 10% solution of clear liquid. Heating the water first makes it easier to dissolve the white powder. This simple inexpensive, household chemical is deadly to all insects, is safe enough to use around children, and on interior surfaces (test first on a small hidden area to check for possible -- but rare -- discoloration of finishes).
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Don't expect instant results, give it some time, occasionally additional applications are needed. It lasts about a year, or until the surfaces are washed.
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Many modern applications of this ancient item are showing up in products, and commercial treatments.
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To apply as a powder, you can use and old grated cheese shaker [make sure it has lots of holes] or an inexpensive mustard or condiment squeeze bottle. Some important places to make sure you treat:
Around all pipe and drain entrances in floors and walls in and under all cabinets, especially corners and cracks
Around all baseboards, in corners and on top of cabinets
Behind and under range, dishwasher, and refrigerator
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In new homes, during construction, the powder can be sprayed inside walls and in the attic. Also, it is a good idea to apply the powder along the top of basement walls near the ribbon-plate [where floor joists rest on the concrete wall of the basement].
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LINK
http://www.bethurum.com/pesticides/index.html

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If you want to try something that can kill a broad range of insects Plus some fungal diseases, try this 3 in 1 solution.
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Sure we've all heard about, and used garlic sprays for organic pest control for years, but you usually just see recipes that only contain garlic and water.
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This recipe is better for many reasons, but mainly because it contains 3 things that bugs, and some fungi, simply don't like: Garlic, Mineral Oil, and Soap.
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It will control a wide range of insects, and many soft bodied insects including aphids and whiteflies, plus a few fungal diseases like leaf spot and mildews because garlic has anti-fungal properties.
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ALWAYS TEST FIRST
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With any new spray you want to try, test it on 1 or 2 leaves of your plant first and make sure it doesn't burn the foliage or have any adverse reactions before spraying your entire plant. You just never know what kind of reaction certain plants will have, so it's better to be safe than sorry.
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SPRAY EARLY
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Always spray first thing in the morning while the wind is down, temperatures are cooler, and beneficials are relatively inactive. Never spray anything (except herbicides) during mid-day, or in full sun, because you can run the risk of burning your plants.
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ORGANIC DOESN'T MEAN IT CAN'T HARM BENEFICIALS
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Just because some sprays are homemade, doesn't mean that they can't harm beneficials. They can, so pay attention to what you are spraying, and spray early in the day while beneficials are most inactive. If you see beneficials in the area, you may want to wait.
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MAKE THE GARLIC OIL SOLUTION
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Soak 3 ounces (85 g) of minced garlic in 2 teaspoons of mineral oil for 24 hours
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Strain out the garlic and add 1 pint (600 ml) of water and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to the remaining liquid
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 Mix together well
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TO SPRAY PLANTS
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Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of the garlic-soap mixture with 1 pint (600 ml) water and spray plants
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Because homemade mixtures have no preservatives, you're better off dumping any you have left over, and simply mixing a fresh batch every time you want to spray.
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GARLIC BARRIER
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Clever gardeners have recently rediscovered this old and simple technique, which makes a lot of sense.
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Some plants grow in harmony with others, because their needs compliment each other.
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Species with different water and nutrient requirements grow well side by side, because they are not in competition with each other.
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Shallow rooted plants thrive near deep rooted plants, because these loosen the soil, and provide good drainage for the shallow rooted plants.
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Tall plants provide shade for smaller plants
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Some species expel aromas which discourage certain insects, and are of great benefit when growing near plants susceptible to attack.
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Certain species have roots that give off nitrogen, and help those plants that need plenty of this fertiliser.
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GOOD COMPANIONS
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*Asparagus* Tomatoes, Parsley
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*Basil* Peas Tomatoes, Beans
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*Carrots* Peas, Lettuce, Chives, Onions, Leek, Rosemary.
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*Celery* Cauliflower, Beans, Leeks.
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*Chervil* Radish.
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*Cabbage* Tomato, Sage, Rosemary, Chamomile, Aromatic Herbs, Onions, Beans.
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COMPANION PLANTING IDEALS
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*Cucumber* Beans, Corn, Peas, Radish, Sunflower.
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*Gherkins* Peas, Sweetcorn.
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*Beets* Onions, Kohlrabi.
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*Corn* Potatoes, Peas, Beans, Squash, Cabbage, Cucumber, Cabbage, Pumpkin, Dill.
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*Beans* Tomatoes, Parsley, Basil, Carrot , Potato, Corn, Cauliflower, Cucumber, Cabbage, Strawberries.
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*Garlic* Potatoes, Roses, and most Plants.
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*Lettuce* Carrots, Radish, Strawberries.
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*Peas* Carrots, Turnips, Radish, Corn.
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*Potato* Beans, Cucumber, Coriander, Garlic, Catnip, Tansy, Marigold.
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*Pumpkin* Corn
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*Onion* Carrots, Capsicum, Beetroot, Chamomile.
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*Turnip* Peas, Mint, rosemary.
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*Strawberries* Bush Beans, Spinach, Borage, Lettuce, garlic.
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*Leek* Celery, Carrots.
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*Tomatoes* Asparagus, Basil, Parsley, Peas, Nasturtiums, Marigolds, Chives, Onion, Carrot.
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REFERENCES
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book: Carrots Love Tomatoes, Secrets of Companion Planting for Successful Gardening; by Louise Riotte
book: Great Garden Companions; by Sally Jean Cunningham
book: Bob Flowerdew's Complete Book of Companion Gardening; by Bob Flowerdew
book: Companion Plants and How To Use Them; by H. Philbrick
book: Great Garden Companions; by Sally Jean Cunningham
book: Roses Love Garlic; by Louise Riotte
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ATTRA - Companion Planting
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/complant.html
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/complant.pdf
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Here are some home remedies for dealing with garden pests, many of which call for items you probably already have around the house:

The first is a simple solution made from the source of one of Paul James's favorite flavors--garlic. Finely chop a dozen or so garlic cloves, and dump them in four ounces of mineral oil. Soak the cloves in the oil for a day or two. Strain the mixture, and add three or four drops of regular dishwashing liquid. Then dilute it with about a half cup of water, and pour into a hand-held or tank sprayer . This is an all-purpose spray for all sorts of pests, but it's a nonselective spray, which means it'll kill beneficial bugs as well as bad bugs in your garden.

Here's another simple-to-prepare spray that uses another garden crop--peppers. Put a cup of chili peppers such as jalapenos in a blender or food processor. Add four cups of water, and puree the mixture. Then strain the stuff, and pour it into a sprayer. Again, you've got a nonselective spray, so use it to target only the harmful insects. Be extremely careful to not get this spray in your eyes or even on your skin.

Another insect eliminator is nicotine. Put a package of chewing tobacco in a quart jar of water, and let the jar sit out in the hot sun for a day so that the tobacco has a chance to steep slowly. Then strain the mixture into a sprayer. This mixture is poisonous and can actually be absorbed by the skin, so be careful. It can also be absorbed by the leaves of plants, so don't use it on food crops.

The USDA recommends mixing together dishwashing detergent and cooking oil to get a powerful control for aphids, whiteflies and red spider mites. First, make a concentrate by adding one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap--the brand doesn't matter--with one cup of vegetable oil. When you're ready to spray, add one or two teaspoons of the oil-and-soap solution to a cup of water. Pour that into a sprayer and shake well.

Please note: Vegetable oil can burn plants, especially cabbages, cauliflower and squash, and the hotter the weather, the more it can burn. As with all these homemade sprays, test a leaf or two of the plant you intend to spray, then wait a day and check the leaves for damage before you spray the entire plant. Also remember the rule of 140: first, watch the evening's weather report. Add the outdoor temperature (in degrees F) to the percent relative humidity. If the total is more than 140, wait for a cooler or less humid day to spray.

Another homemade pest control uses plain old isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. A cotton ball soaked in this and wiped over leaf surfaces will kill a number of bugs such as aphids, mealybugs, red spider mites, scales and whiteflies that are notorious for attacking houseplants. To spray an entire plant, add one cup of the alcohol to one quart of water, and spray away.

But if you don't want to bother mixing and straining and testing these home remedies to get rid of your bug problems, then consider using a more high-tech solution--a hand-held vacuum. Pay particular attention to leaves, especially the undersides, where bugs love to hide. James does a little vacuuming in the garden .

One last home remedy is to catch a bunch of bugs that happen to be bothering your plants, puree them in a food processor and strain the result through cheesecloth before spraying on your plants.

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Synthetic pesticides are more of a threat to man than the insects. As each generation of insects become more immune, stronger and more potent chemicals are developed. Meanwhile we are absorbing these chemicals as they permeate our homes, gardens and lawns. We are also depleting the quality of our lives and poisoning the world around us.

We hope that most American gardeners will help reverse this trend by utilizing natural pest deterrents that have been successful for generations.

DALMATIAN PYRETHRUM.

Chrysanthemum cinerarifolium. Perennial.  The most effective natural insecticide for flying and crawling insects, the least harmful to mammals or birds it is made from the dried and crushed flowers of the Dalmatian Pyrethrum. The brown powder will kill or stun the insects the moment it touches them. Safest pesticide to use on pets, sprinkled on their coats. This member of the daisy family is a beautiful ornamental and will compliment any garden or flower bed. While very effective, the powder only lasts for a few days. You can prolong its use throughout the year by freezing fresh flower heads in zip-lock bags and drying and crushing them as needed. Although this is the safest natural pesticide, please use common sense when handling. Will bloom in the summer of its second year. 

OSAGE ORANGE

Hedge apple (Maclura pomifera) Fruits are a repellent to roaches, ants, crickets, spiders, fleas in the home. Whole fruits are placed around the home. Makes a strong natural hedge if planted close and kept trimmed, wood is very durable and has been used for bows and fence posts. Hardy as far as zone 4.

VELVETBEAN

Mucuna deeringiana (A) Fast growing, soil improving tropical native well adapted to sandy soils. Reduces populations of peanut and southern root-knot nematode. May be incorporated into the soil as a green manure or allowed to mature before the tops are chopped down. Also provides fodder as all parts are suitable feed for livestock. 20 seeds- 

ENGLISH PENNYROYAL

Mentha pulegium.  Perennial.  A small leafed herb that has spikes of lavender, fragrant flowers. Ground pennyroyal is one of the most effective tick deterrents available. Dust powder made from the leaves around areas where the pet sleeps and plays. Grows well in hanging baskets. Zones 6-10. 

EPAZOTE

Chenopodium ambrosiodes Annual.   Whole plant can be used to make a strong "tea" used for washing floors and porches to repel insects and larvae. 

FEVERFEW

Chrysanthemum parthenium Biennial / Perennial.  A beautiful daisy that blooms midsummer through fall. The flower heads are used to make one of the best natural pesticides available. Also used medicinally. Hardy to Zone 5.   

GOPHER PURGE, MOLE PLANT (Euphorbia lathyrus)

Biennial, re-seeds easily. A thick stand is necessary to repel varmints.  

LAVENDER

Lavandula angustifolia  Perennial.  A beautiful aromatic herb that is hardy to zone 5 and can be raised indoors in colder climates. Beautiful flowers on long stems and narrow green leaves. Sow in fall or spring. When planted in the garden, it will deter pests with its fragrance. When dried and placed in closets and drawers with clothes, it will deter moths and lend its wonderful fragrance to the clothes. Usually flowers in its second year. Zones 5-8. 

LEMON BASIL.

Ocimum basilicum v. citriodorum.. Annual.   An aromatic herb with small pretty flowers and lemony fragrance. An attractive plant that is easy to grow. When planted in the garden close to tomatoes, it not only improves the taste of the tomatoes but deters white flies as well. Can also be used in salads, as seasoning, and in potpourri.

ANY TOBACCO.

See Our Tobacco Page.  To make the perfect garden pesticide, mix 1 teaspoon of powdered dried leaves with one teaspoon of dish washing detergent in one gallon of water. This may need to be strained Apply with a sprayer only during the twilight hours as direct sun on the wet leaves can cause damage. The powder may also be sprinkled around the base of the plants.

http://www.eonseed.com/catalog501.html

MUGWORT.

Artemisia vulgaris.  Perennial.  Leaves are used to repel moths. An excellent women's herb, see medicinal plants section. Hardy to Zone 4. 

PEPPERMINT

Mentha piperita  Perennial.  Helps to repel ants, aphids, cabbage lopers, flea beetles, cabbage worms, squash bugs and white flies. Can be invasive so keep trimmed. Planted near others for protection or use a tea made from the crushed leaves. Zones 4-10.  

ROSEMARY.

Rosmarinus officinalis.  Perennial. Evergreen aromatic shrubs from the Mediterranean. Grows 2-6' with pale blue 1/2" flowers and attractive foliage. Powdered Rosemary leaves are used as a flea and tick repellent. Simply dust the powder onto the pet or areas where the pet sleeps. A very effective and safe repellent. Zones 7-10.

SHOO-FLY PLANT.

Nicandra physalodes. Annual.   2-5' tall with sky-blue flowers, followed by unusual, papery wing pods that are excellent for dried arrangements. A beautiful ornamental often raised around greenhouses for its possible fly repelling properties. Said to attract and kill white flies. Zones 8-10. 

SAGE.

Salvia officinalis  Perennial.  Its use as a food seasoning, and its medicinal values have been known for centuries. In the garden, it should be planted next to cabbage, it will improve the taste and repel cabbage worms and moths. All zones.

SESAME (sesamum indicum)

Ground sesame stalks are either mixed into the soil before planting or applied as a mulch around growing plants to control nematodes. Sesame has a long history as a crop. No harmful effects have ever been reported in humans, livestock that feed on leftover stalks, or as a result of mixing the stalks into soil after harvesting the seeds. Isn’t this better than fumigating with chemicals??  Harvest the seeds for use in baking, cereals or make fresh tasty sprouts too!!  Requires full sun and rich, moist soil, warm temperatures, will not usually go to seed outside the recommended zones (8,9 and 10).  Grows to 3 feet tall with shiny 5” long leaves and pale pink bell shaped flowers.  A great border plant and attractive addition to the vegetable garden. 1 ounce package (approx. 5,000+ seeds) organic, use some for the garden and make sprouts with the rest! 

TANSY

Tanacetum vulgare  Perennial.  Leaves are used to repel ants and moths, in sachets or strewn about. Small yellow button-like flowers are used in potpourri or dried for everlastings. Zones 4-9. 

WORMWOOD.

Artemisia absinithium.  Perennial.  3-5' tall with gray, silky foliage and spikes of small flowers. Hardy throughout the US. Easy to grow from seed. Has many uses as a seasoning and medicinal plant. Powdered dust made from the leaves when sprinkled on plants and soil will deter many insects, not because it is toxic, but simply because they do not like the fragrance. Zones 4-6.  20

WEED -A-TAK

Organic herbicide spray , kills weeds quickly and safely.

 NO-SEE-UM 

Lawn and garden insect repellent. A blend of essential oils and garlic that repels mosquitoes, ticks and other insects.

BUG-A-TAK

Organic insecticide made from essential oils, rids plants of beetles, aphids, whiteflies, mites and others. Can be used indoors on houseplants or outdoors.

ANT-A-TAK

Organic insecticide specially blended to control both black and red ants. Spray directly on the ants and ant hills.

LINK

http://www.eonseed.com/catalog501.html

ORGANIC WEED CONTROL
http://stopweeds.livejournal.com

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GENERAL PESTICIDE #1

Murphy's Oil Soap mixed 1/4 cup per gallon of water will kill and deter whiteflies, mites, aphids, scale and other nuisance pests. Apply with a spray bottle to both top and bottom of affected leaves and stems when sun is not shining brightly.

GENERAL PESTICIDE #2

Mix together 1 teaspoon dish washing liquid, 1 cup of vegetable oil and 1 cup of rubbing alcohol. Add 2 teaspoons of this mixture to 1 cup of water and apply as for #1 above.

SAFE MOSQUITO REPELLENT

Mosquitoes are very sensitive to certain scents, Chamomile and Eucalyptus especially. Both are easy to grow and both are used in dry flower arrangements and potpourri. To make the mosquito repellent take one oz. of green leaves from both plants and boil in a gallon of water. Strain and place in the refrigerator. Before going outside, splash the mixture over your face and exposed parts of your body. You will enjoy the fresh, citrus smell but the mosquitoes will stay far away.

SNAIL DETERRENT:

Place crushed egg shells or course sand around the base of plants if you are having a problem with snails or slugs. They don't like crawling over the sharp edges and the shells are good for the soil!

Don't use chemical sprays to kill bugs in your home. Decrease the number of insects getting into your home by repairing holes in screens and doors and destroying nests of vermin in your yard. Powdered boric acid mixed with a bit of sugar can become an effective and less dangerous ant and roach control.

Choose organic fruits and vegetables. If organic is not an option, ask for produce that is locally grown it will thereby be treated with fewer chemicals to help it survive transport to market. Many other countries don't have restrictions on pesticides Shop at farmer's markets and food co-ops, try to buy produce grown in the U.S., the supermarket usually notes the origins on the price cards.

Practice organic gardening. Avoid chemical lawn services; plant native plants that do well in your region without a lot of chemical intervention, and increase your tolerance for weeds and bugs just a little bit!

LINK:

http://www.eonseed.com/catalog501.html

 ORGANIC WEED CONTROL
http://stopweeds.livejournal.com

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Essential Oils

These are pure extracts, very potent and should be diluted and used sparingly.  Use with caution and avoid direct contact with skin, eyes and mucous membranes! 

Remember, if a little works good it doesn’t mean that more will work better! Use for making tinctures, teas, cosmetics, massage oils, bath oils and salts, potpourri, candles, incense etc.

Place a few drops on a cotton ball and put in cupboards to repel insects.

(**)=Not for internal use.

 "Repellents containing ... the oil of lemon eucalyptus offer "long-lasting protection against mosquito bites, nearly equal to DEET" the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said".  Make your own now with our:

 

EUCALYPTUS OIL (LEMON)

E. citriodora Repels mites, fleas, mosquitoes and other insects from humans and pets. 

TEA TREE OIL(**)   

Tea Tree oil may be applied directly to the skin to stimulate healing and fight bacterial and fungal infections. For sensitive skin, you may want to dilute it with olive oil.  Used to treat nail fungus, burns, bites, Athlete’s Foot, Acne, dandruff, use in wash water for household cleaning, add to shampoo and make a spray to repel insects.

LAVENDER OIL, BULGARIAN 

Use in closets and storage areas to repel moths and other pests. Add to massage oil and baths to relieve aches, use for aromatherapy, soaps, candles, potpourri etc. Not for internal use.

PEPPERMINT OIL 

Repels aphids (use with thyme oil), can be used in ponds with or without fish. Safe for making tinctures, teas, cosmetics, etc.

LEMON OIL 
Use in flea shampoo, insect repellent spray, keep away animals and other pests. Safe for making tinctures, teas, cosmetics, etc.

VIRGINIA CEDARWOOD OIL(**)

use around the home to repel moths.

CITRONELLA OIL(**)

use to repel insects and ticks from humans, their clothing, indoors and out. Can be used on ornamental plants, in trash bins to repel animals.

JOJOBA OIL(**)

Can be used on all plants to kill and repel whiteflies, powdery mildew. 

LAVANDIN OIL (from hybrid lavender)

Repels moths in homes, especially clothes storage areas. 

LEMONGRASS OIL

Use on ornamental plants and garbage areas to keep out dog, cats, other animals.

WINTERGREEN OIL

Ornamental plants, indoor and outdoor areas, garbage containers to repel insects and animals. Note: can be TOXIC in large quantities. 

THYME OIL

Kills aphids within 5 minutes, kills beetles other insects. Can be used in ponds and other aquatic areas. Very safe.

CINNAMON OIL

Can be used on many food crops and ornamentals. Repels dogs and cats. Helps control fungi such as Verticillium, Pythium and others and insects.

CLOVE OIL

Used on many food crops and ornamentals, indoors and out, on pets, kills many types of insects. 

ORANGE OIL

Can be mixed into shampoo for dogs and cats, kills or repels fleas, mosquitoes, mites, ticks. Use in the home or outdoors, makes an insect repellent for humans also. 

CARAWAY OIL

same as for Orange Oil.

(**)=Not for internal use.

 
NEEM

extracts of Azadirachta indica tree, can influence nearly 200 species of insects. It is an insect growth regulator and a feeding deterrent. Neem products work by intervening at several stages of the life of an insect. They may not kill the pest instantly but incapacitate it in several other ways. Use of neem products does not give immediate results like chemical insecticides. Some patience is required after application. Insects like flies, cockroaches, leaf miners, mosquitoes, fruit flies, thread worms or nematodes and snails are affected by neem products. Neem products have proved to be remarkably benign to beneficial insects.

NEEM OIL Organic.

Derived from the seeds. Mix at the rate of 5 ml. to 1 quart of water this one ounce bottle will make 6 quarts of spray. Works best with emulsifier. Complete instructions included.
1 ounce dropper bottle. 

NEEM POWDER Organic

Crushed Neem leaves for making a solution for spraying as an antifungal and pest deterrent. The residue is added to the soil as a fertilizer and pest control agent, effective against nematodes, beneficial to earthworms. 

GARLIC BARRIER:

All natural and organic concentrate that repels insects from plants and trees. Good for fruit, nut and citrus trees, vine crops and vegetables. Leaves no after taste and becomes odorless minutes after application. To use mix one part of concentrate to ten parts water, and apply with a sprayer

LINK:

http://www.eonseed.com/catalog501.html

The following recipes make effective herbal sprays for the control of garden problems. Adhesion can be improved in most cases with the use of a wetting agent or a spreader sticker.

SPRAY	PESTS	RECIPE
Elder	General pesticide and fungicide. Especially good for: aphids, caterpillars, thrips and blackspot.	500g Elder leaves 3.5L water Simmer leaves in water for 30 minutes. Replace water lost as steam. Strain and spray.
Chilli and Wormwood	Spray on plants to repel: possums, rabbits, snails and slugs. Kills: aphids, bean fly and white fly.	1 cup of Chillies 1 cup of Wormwood leaves 6 cups of water Blend Chillies and Wormwood with 1 cup of water. Add 5 cups of water and bring to the boil. Allow to stand for one hour. Strain and spray. Do not allow to come in contact with eyes or skin!
Coriander (Cilantro)	spider mites and aphids	1 part Coriander plant equal part water Boil Coriander and water for 10 minutes. Strain and spray.
Chamomile, Chives, Elder, Horseradish and Casuarina	General fungicide. Good for: mildew, blackspot, damping off and rust.	Take a selection of: Chamomile flowers, Chive leaves, Elder leaves, Horseradish leaves and Casuarina leaves. Cover with water. Bring to the boil. Let stand 30 minutes. Spray.
Pyrethrum and Feverfew	General pest killer.	2 parts Feverfew flowers 1 part Pyrethrum flowers Kerosene or Mineral oil 2 drops Sesame oil Chop flowers. Cover with kerosene or mineral oil. Soak overnight in a dark place. Strain liquid. Dilute one part liquid in six parts water. Add sesame oil and spray.
Pennyroyal	Ant repellent. Paint Pennyroyal oil on ant tracks and nests.	½ cup of Pennyroyal leaves 1 cup of Safflower oil Combine Pennyroyal and oil in a blender. Bottle and cap. Leave for a day in a warm spot.

Wetting Agent

Pure soap used at 10g per litre of spray is an effective wetting agent for the above sprays.

Spreader Sticker

Coconut oil used at 5ml per litre of spray is effective.

ORGANIC WEED CONTROL
http://stopweeds.livejournal.com

END GLOBAL HUNGER
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