Non-Chemical Alternatives
Biological Substitutes for Neonics
Nematodes are microscopic worms that are effective against all types of grubs. The strain Heterohabdis ssp is the most effective strain. In fact, the Cornell Report says "Nematodes are the most reliable non-chemical treatment for white grubs in turfgrass."
Bio-insecticide, Grub-Gone, Acelypryn, employs Btg (Bacillis thuringiesnsis gallerias) has been available since 2018.
Do not let your lawn or tree care company use the following Brand Name insecticides on your property. They contain various neonicotinoids:
Acetamiprid products
Ortho Bug B Gon, Ortho Flower Fruit & Vegetable, Ortho Rose & Flower Insect Killer, Mospilan, Intruder, Assail, and Tristar.
Imidacloprid products
Bayer Advanced 3-in-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control and Bayer Advanced 12 Month Tree & Shrub Insect Control, Merit, Confidor, Admire, Gaucho, Premise and Advocate.
Thiamethoxam products
Amdro Quick Kill Lawn & Landscape Insect Killer, Meridian, Actara, Platinum and Cruiser.
Dinotefuran products
Ortho Tree & Shrub Insect Control Plus, Alpine, Starkle, Safari and Venom.
Make Sure You Have a Problem
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A bug on a plant does not mean you have a problem. Many insects are beneficial and are not pests.
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Many butterfly caterpillars are large and colorful. While they do eat foliage, they mature quickly and do not harm plants.
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The presence of a pest species does not mean you have a problem. Pests have to be abundant enough to cause damage.
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Tolerate other plants in your lawn. Many low-growing wildflowers like clover can tolerate mowing and are beneficial to pollinators.
Beneficial Insect: Multicolored Asian lady beetle (larva) a predator of aphids. Lady beetles are recognized predators of garden pests.
Physical Methods of Pest Control
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Pick or wash bugs off with a stream of water.
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Use floating fabric row covers to keep pests out of gardens.
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Pull weeds by hand before they set seed.
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Mulch gardens to prevent weeds.
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Remove all Japanese Barberry which attracts mice and ticks.
Non-toxic Substances and Heat
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Garlic-based tick spray is an alternative to bee-killing Pyrethroids.
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Limonene as an herbicide for small areas (Avenger is one brand).
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Apply corn gluten meal or chelated iron to turf grass in early spring and fall to prevent germination of crabgrass and weeds.
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Kill weeds in driveways and walkways with a propane torch.
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Weed killer: 1 qt vinegar, ¼ cup salt, 2 tsp dish soap.
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Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around foundations and entryways for control of ants.
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Whole milk and water (1:2) prevents powdery mildew.
Biological Control
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Learn to identify beneficial insects and let them do their job.
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Lady beetles eat aphids, and green lacewing larvae feed on soft-bodied insects, mites and insect eggs.
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Spined soldier bugs, spiders, predatory mites, and many nematodes are also beneficial allies.
Insecticidal Soaps
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Effective against whiteflies, aphids, and thrips – but TAKE CAUTION not to use insecticidal soaps on butterfly caterpillars. Also, many plants are sensitive to insecticidal soaps.
Non-toxic Baits, Traps and Lures
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Trap whiteflies and aphids with yellow sticky cards, a very effective method since these insects are attracted to color.
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Slugs can be trapped with a saucer of beer.
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Tick boxes (Not tick tubes) – Tick Control System
Microbial Pesticides
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Milky spore is effective in controlling Japanese beetle grubs.
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Bacillus thuringiensis galleriae (Btg) control many grub species.
Horticultural Oil Sprays
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Use to control aphids, mites, scale insects, whiteflies and other pests. Use with caution s these oils are non-selective and will kill beneficial insects.
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Dormant oils are safe to use on dormant plants, but read label carefully as some products labeled Dormant Oil are advertised to used year around.
Botanical Insecticides
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Many naturally occurring plant extracts have insecticidal properties. They vary in toxicity to humans and non-target organisms. Many are not standardized so that effectiveness may vary. Use with caution as immature insects like butterfly caterpillars are extremely sensitive to extracts like Neem.
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Do not apply any insecticide when pollinators are active and flowers are present