Millennium Realty
Donna Coakley-Mcgowan, Millennium RealtyPhone: (774) 287-2060
Email: [email protected]

Your natural garden pest control guide

by Donna Coakley-Mcgowan 10/18/2023

Some of the best garden pest control solutions can be found in the garden itself. There are many plants with natural pest control properties, and beneficial insects to keep away the bad bugs.

If you’re interested in sustainable and environmentally friendly pest control for your garden, consider these options:

Pest-repelling plants

By planting the right combination of plants, you can let your garden do the pest control for you. Many plants have natural pest-repellent properties, while others can serve as decoy plants to draw bugs away from more vulnerable plants.

Some of the most popular bug-busting plants to include in your garden are:

  • Catnip
  • Mint
  • Nasturtium
  • Dill
  • Marigolds
  • Rosemary
  • Lavender

These plants keep away garden pests like aphids, beetles, caterpillars, shield bugs and whiteflies. As a bonus, plants like marigolds and lavender also repel mosquitos. Consider planting these herbs and flowers around garden edges or anywhere else in your yard for natural pest control.

Beneficial bugs

Not all garden bugs are bad. In fact, there are many beneficial insects you want in your garden to keep the plants and soil healthy. Introducing natural predators to feast on garden pests is an excellent natural pest control method, and some of the best bugs for the job include:

  • Ladybugs eat soft-bodied garden pests like aphids.
  • Lacewings eat aphids, caterpillars, thrips, whiteflies, leafhoppers and scales.
  • Spiders are natural predators in the garden and protect your plants from myriad pests including spider mites, aphids, caterpillar beetles and whiteflies.

Pest control is a key to healthy plants, but most garden pests can be controlled by the garden and its natural denizens. Knowing which plants and which insects are allies in your pest control endeavors will help you maintain a healthy garden without synthetic sprays or pesticides.

About the Author
Author

Donna Coakley-Mcgowan

Licensed since 1983 Donna is a well known and well respected veteran of the local real estate market. Donna has made her mark as both a manager of a brokerage firm and as an agent. Ms. Coakley McGowan has participated in extensive training in residential real estate and specializes in both Buyer and Seller Agency.   

"I am extremely pleased to welcome an Associate of Donna’s caliber and expertise” said Judy Leonelli, Owner. "I have known Donna for many years and have admired her professionalism and talent for the pragmatic resolution to the difficulties that can arise during a transaction. When Donna is involved you know there will be a successful outcome.”  

Ms. Coakley McGowan has lived in Upton since 1995 and knows the area and all of its attributes. She currently serves the Town of Upton and the Regional School District as Chairperson of the School Committee.  She and her husband Mark and their two children reside in Upton.