Pest control is an important and difficult job, especially if you want to do it right. Some pests can cause serious destruction and unwanted trouble. With this in mind, there are various pest control methods that exist. One such method is natural pesticides which can help get rid of pesky insects. In spite of the popularity of chemical pesticides, more and more homeowners are moving towards alternative methods like natural pesticides. However, there is some misunderstanding among folks that these home remedies are completely safe for the environment and pets. In order to make sure the safety of both your family and the environment, you should keep reading to learn about our top picks for natural lawn pest control methods and how they actually work. You might also want to know whether or not you need special equipment in order to use them effectively or if they will be difficult to apply.

Natural Pest Control For Lawns

Mow Frequently

You may not think of mowing as a way to control pests, but it is a great practice. Mowing regularly—at least once every 3-4 days during the growing season—can help prevent pests from invading your lawn. This is because frequent mowing will cut off their food source and limit the amount of time they have to reproduce. Plus, if you don’t have time to mow your entire lawn every time you go out with your pushmower or ride-on mower, then just make sure that you’re only removing the top 1/3 of the grass blades each time you cut them so that there are still plenty left on the ground for grubs and other insects that love eating grass roots!

Aerate The Soil

Aeration is the process of removing small plugs of soil from your lawn. By doing this, you allow air to get into the soil and help it breathe. This is an important step in any healthy lawn care routine because your grass needs oxygen in order to thrive.

This can be done manually with a special tool called an aerator or mechanically with a tractor-mounted machine that pulls up chunks of dirt as it moves along. Either way, make sure you do not go too deep into the ground; going deeper than 1/4 inch will hurt your grass instead of helping it!

Rake Dead Grass

Raking dead grass will help to remove the habitat for pests and prevent thatch buildup. Raking also helps to improve the soil, which can lead to healthier grass roots and a lower risk of insects and disease.

Use Mulch In Flower Beds

• Mulch helps keep moisture in the soil. Yellowing leaves, brown patches, and wilted plants are signs that your lawn needs water. A healthy lawn should show no sign of browning or wilting when it’s properly watered.
• Mulch reduces weeds by providing a barrier between the dirt and sunlight, so weeds cannot grow as easily.
• Mulch protects roots from extreme temperatures by insulating them from freezing cold weather and hot summer days—especially important if you have a clay soil!
• Water doesn’t splash up onto plant leaves when there’s mulch on top; this keeps mold spores from being splashed onto plants to begin with!

Apply Pesticides Only When Necessary

If you’re looking for a natural alternative to pesticides, consider using nematodes. These microscopic organisms are the most common predators of grubs and other worm-like pests. When applied correctly, nematodes can effectively kill grasshoppers and other destructive insects without harming other beneficial insects or plants.

However, beware: when purchasing nematodes from a local nursery or garden supply store, be sure that they’ve been approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). You may have seen products labeled “nematodes,” but unless these were specifically produced as biological controls by an EPA-approved facility—or come with an EPA label—you should avoid using them on your lawns.

Neem Oil As A Natural Pesticide

Neem oil is a natural pesticide that has been around for centuries. The ancient civilization of India used neem oil to control pests, as well as to treat skin problems and other diseases. Neem oil contains fatty acids, triterpenoids (compounds similar to steroids), and essential oils that make it poisonous to insects but safe for humans and animals. It’s also water-soluble so it can be mixed with water or applied directly on your lawn and garden plants without harming them.

Neem oil works by penetrating the exoskeleton of insects and disrupting their growth cycle so they can’t molt properly or reproduce effectively. When insects ingest neem oil through foliage or seeds, it affects their nervous system causing paralysis which eventually leads to death if untreated by food supply (usually from another insect).

Diatomaceous Earth For Chinch Bugs, Ants, Fleas, And Other Pests That Crawl

For organic lawn care, diatomaceous earth is a safe, natural pest control that is effective against chinch bugs, ants, fleas and other crawling insects. Diatomaceous earth is made from the fossilized remains of tiny organisms called diatoms. The skeletons of these ancient organisms are composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), which makes up glass and sand. When the silica in this powder comes into contact with an insect’s exoskeleton it causes it to dry out and crack.

The insects die from dehydration or starvation because they can no longer absorb nutrients through their exoskeletons after they have been treated with diatomaceous earth.

Pyrethrum For Lawn Insects Like Ants, Mosquitoes, And Fleas

Pyrethrum is derived from the dried flower heads of chrysanthemum flowers. It is used as a botanical insecticide, and can be used to control many different pests including ants, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and chinch bugs. Pyrethrum is toxic to both adult insects and larvae because it attacks their nervous systems.

Clove Oil As A Natural Insecticide For Slugs, Caterpillars & Aphids

Clove oil is a natural pesticide that can be used to control slugs, caterpillars and aphids. It should be used with caution around pet food and water bowls because it is toxic to dogs and cats.

The recommended application rate of clove oil for pets is 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. Mix this solution in a spray bottle, then mist the plant or insect with it. As an alternative, you can make your own clove oil insecticide by mixing 1 teaspoon of clove oil into one quart (1 liter) of water; apply as above.

Beneficial Nematodes For Lawn & Garden Pests That Crawl Or Fly

The good news is that nematodes can be used to control a wide variety of pests, including some very common ones. The bad news is that nematodes are not as effective against insect pests as beneficial insects are, so you will need to use them in conjunction with other methods for best results.

Nematodes can be applied using an agricultural sprayer or by hand. To apply nematodes by hand, simply scatter them around the perimeter of your lawn where you think the most likely pests may enter or exit your yard. You should also sprinkle them along the baseboards inside your home if there are any areas where they might enter from outside (like cracks in doors). For best results, apply at least once per week until pest numbers have subsided and then twice weekly thereafter until they disappear completely from your lawn.

Natural pesticides are the best way to keep those pests out of your yard.

• Benefits of natural pesticides
• Dangers of over-application
• Choosing the right pesticide for the right pest
• Applying natural pesticides correctly