Organic pest control is as old as agriculture itself.  Control of pests using man-made products has developed rapidly within the last 60 years.  Public interest in alternative methods of pest control has increased recently due to concerns for the environment and food safety.  Some are utterly opposed to the use of pesticides, some only oppose their use on food crops, and many simply desire to minimize their use as much as possible. 

There are many sound reasons to use organic gardening methods and there is much information available on the topic.  While learning about these methods, look for research-backed data.  To use organic methods successfully you must be diligent:  monitor pest populations, watch for early signs of disease, make systematic observations in the garden and landscape, know the life cycle of common pests and diseases in your area, and be prepared to use a multi-pronged approach.  The results can be rewarding.

Integrated pest management, or IPM for short, takes advantage of all appropriate pest management options including, but not limited to, the judicious use of pesticides.  In contrast, organic pest control applies many of the same concepts as IPM but limits the use of pesticides to those produced from natural sources.  There are four key strategies in the control of pest damage.  Varietal selection is one of the easiest ways to control pest problems.  In making plant selections, choose healthy plants and look for disease and insect resistant varieties. Biological control uses one organism to control another.  Most insects are actually beneficial, like ladybugs, who feed on aphids.  It is essential to know the "good bugs" and recognize each stage in their life cycle so that you do not destroy them.  Other beneficials are toads, frogs, lacewings and wasps.  Cultural or physical control simply requires you to employ gardening practices that reduce hospitable environments for disease and insect pests.  Monitor insect populations and damage.  One damaged leaf is not cause for alarm, but a signal to look more carefully.  Use sticky traps, remove diseased plant material, do not over fertilize, use mulches, use proper pruning methods and rotate crops.  Physical control is very effective with large pests such as horn worm or stink bug.  You simply pick pests off the plant.  A strong blast of water will wash soft bodied pests, like aphids, off sturdy plants.  Spray the underside of the leaves, as well as, the top.  Cover plants with protective netting to control damage by birds.  To ward off slugs and snails place crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth at the base of plants.

The final strategy of IPM is chemical control, which should be used only if all other strategies have not achieved desired results. The key is to identify the pest and find the appropriate method of control.  It is inaccurate to say that natural or organic controls are less toxic than synthetic or man-made ones.  Many of the most toxic compounds are natural, while some of the least toxic are synthetic. Always begin with the least toxic method, use caution and follow product label instructions.  The following are some of the least toxic chemical choices.

Insecticidal soap is effective against soft-bodied insects such as aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, thrips, and mealy bugs.  Apply early in the day making sure to spray the underside of leaves.

Dormant oils are useful in late winter prior to bud break and lightweight horticultural oils may be used throughout the growing season.  The product must contact the pest, such as scale, and application should be made when daytime temperatures are at specified levels.

Neem products are made of extracts of azadirachtin from neem trees and are a very low toxicity insecticide.  Neem oil is also useful in control of several plant diseases including powdery mildew.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is used to control many types of caterpillar larvae, such as armyworms, webworms, loopers and hornworms.  This preparation is toxic to butterfly larvae, but not to bees and other beneficial insects.  Spray in early morning or late evening as ultraviolet light breaks down the product.

Responsible integrated pest management (IPM) includes proper pest identification and informed pest-management decisions.   This allows you to get the most out of your landscape and garden while reducing risks to you and your environment.