#naturalpestcontrol — Public Fediverse posts

I put up some #CoyotePee tags at some strategic spots around the #CommunityGarden, and also sprayed all the wooden posts. TBH, #CoyoteUrine isn't the worst thing I've ever smelled. Sortakinda reminded me of hanging out at the dog park!

#NaturalPestControl #DeerDeterrent #DeerControl #SolarPunkSunday #GardenPests

So, whether #Coyote pee will work as a #DeerDeterrent depends on whether the local coyotes hunt the local deer. Where I live, that is the case, so I'm going to try some fabric dunked in #CoyoteUrine and tied in strategic spots to see if that works against the #Deer in the #CommunityGarden . I think long-term, we need to put in a 3-D fence, which I'll post about in a bit. Judging by the tracks I saw in the pumpkin patch, it definitely looked like someone jumped over the fence (and the fence was a bit lower in one spot).

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Apply Coyote Urine

"Most people buy predator urine, apply it once in a few obvious spots, and then declare that it did not work. The product is not the problem. The application is.

"Coyote urine is a genuine, potent biological deterrent, but it only performs when it is placed correctly, at the right height, in the right zones, and refreshed on the right schedule. Once you understand how to apply coyote urine the way wildlife actually experiences it, the difference in results is significant.

Read Your Property for Animal Signs Before You Apply

Spraying randomly without knowing where animals are moving is the single biggest waste of product. Before you open a bottle, spend 10 to 15 minutes walking your property and reading the evidence wildlife has already left behind.

Signs that tell you where to focus:
● Tracks in soft soil, mud, or frost near fence lines, garden edges, and outbuildings.
● Worn paths or flattened grass indicate repeated travel routes.
● Scat near feeding areas, denning sites, or along walls.
● Digging, especially near turf edges, garden beds, or the base of structures.
● Chewed plant material, stripped bark, or disturbed mulch."

Learn more:
https://www.thepeemart.com/blogs/news/how-to-apply-coyote-urine

How Long Does Coyote Urine Last?

December 19, 2022

"Coyote Urine Usually Lasts For a Week Or Two

Urine degrades fairly quickly when outside, which is why coyotes frequently mark their territory with pee. It’s often inconvenient for us to spread urine outside every day, but it is important to do it frequently to keep the scent strong.

[...]

How Long is the Shelf-Life of Coyote Urine

If it’s stored in a sealed container away from heat and moisture, it can last for multiple years.

[...]

What Animals are Affected by Coyote Urine?

If you’re trying to ward off animals from visiting your yard, coyote urine can usually deter common coyote prey like rodents, raccoons, rabbits, and cats.

It can also deter white-tailed deer, which are occasionally preyed upon by coyotes. But it’s not a surefire way of getting rid of deer, who will munch on plants regardless of urine scent if they’re really hungry.

Results with deer also depend on if they are used to having coyotes around as predators. In some areas, coyotes have easier prey to catch and rarely go after deer. Deer in these areas will likely not be scared of coyote urine."

https://outdoorsmecca.com/how-long-does-coyote-urine-last/#how-long-is-the-shelflife-of-coyote-urine

#SolarPunkSunday #HomeGardens #PestControl #DeerControl #Rabbits #Gardening #GardenPests #CommunityGardens #PredatorUrine #PredatorPee #CoyotePee #NatureBasedSolutions #NaturalPestControl

5 Effective Homemade #InsecticidalSoap Recipes

by Andrew, April 2, 2025

"Safer for People, Pets, and Edible Plants

One of the main reasons gardeners turn to insecticidal soap is that it’s non-toxic when used correctly. You don’t need to worry about dangerous fumes, chemical residues, or protective gear.

It’s generally safe to use on herbs, fruits, and vegetables, which makes it a strong option for homesteaders and anyone growing food at home.

While you should always rinse produce before eating, there’s no need to avoid the area after spraying.

Better for the Environment

Chemical pesticides can build up in the soil, harm wildlife, and contribute to water contamination if they run off into nearby areas.

Insecticidal soap, made from biodegradable soap and simple ingredients like water or oil, breaks down quickly after use.

It doesn’t leave long-term residues or pollute the growing environment, making it a more sustainable solution for backyard gardens and small farms.

Less Harmful to Beneficial Insects

While insecticidal soap can still harm helpful insects if sprayed directly on them, it doesn’t continue killing once it dries.

This gives pollinators and predators like ladybugs or lacewings a better chance to return to your garden unharmed after treatment.

Compared to many chemical options that linger for days or weeks, soap sprays offer a gentler approach that supports a balanced garden ecosystem."

Learn more:
https://theultimatehomestead.com/insecticidal-soap-recipe/

#SolarPunkSunday #GardenPests #InsectSpray #NaturalPestControl #PestrControl #InsecticidalSoapSpray
#Gardening #GrowYourOwn #GrowYourOwnFood

#DIY #Aphid Spray Recipe: How to Make Homemade #InsecticidalSoap

By Deanna Talerico updated Jul. 6th, 2024, published Oct. 14th, 2019

"Are aphids, #mealybugs, or other pest insects wreaking havoc on your garden? Come learn how to make DIY aphid spray to get rid of them with this simple homemade insecticidal soap recipe. It’s effective, inexpensive, and easy to make! This post also covers important application tips for the best results.

When mixed and used correctly, homemade insecticidal soap is effective at killing small soft-bodied insects. On the other hand, it’s gentle on your plants, non-toxic to wildlife, and does not harm beneficial insects like ladybugs or bees. Made with natural #CastileSoap, that means this DIY aphid spray recipe is safe for organic gardening. Insecticidal soap can also be used indoors on houseplants."

Learn more:
https://homesteadandchill.com/homemade-pest-soap-spray-recipe/#h-application-instructions

#SolarPunkSunday #GardenPests #InsectSpray #DIY #NaturalPestControl #PestrControl #InsecticidalSoapSpray #Gardening #GrowYourOwn #GrowYourOwnFood

Plant These 15 Perennials Once and Harvest For Years https://www.allforgardening.com/1905061/plant-these-15-perennials-once-and-harvest-for-years/ #BackyardGarden #CompanionPlanting #EdibleGardening #EdibleLandscaping #farm #farming #garden #GardenIdeas #GardenPlants #gardening #GardeningTips #GrowYourOwnFood #HerbGarden #HomeGardening #HomesteadGarden #MedicinalHerbs #NaturalPestControl #OrganicGardening #PlantingGuide #plants #RaisedGardenBed #SeasonalGardening #SmallSpaceGardening #Vegetable #VegetableGarden #VegetableGardening

I just came across this article here. Wow! Definitely going to give this method a try!

How to build a #mosquito kill bucket

Setting up a #LarvaTrap at home is an effective #MosquitoControl method.

by Debbie Wolfe
Published Jun 18, 2024

Materials

- Container: A five-gallon bucket or a similar-sized container
- Water: Preferably from a rain barrel to avoid chlorinated water
- Organic Material: Straw, hay, or even grass clippings to attract mosquitoes
- Mosquito Dunk: Contains Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bt-i), a bacterium harmful only to mosquito larvae

Directions

Prepare the container
Place the bucket in a sunny spot to keep it warm, accelerating the fermentation process.

Add organic material
Add a handful of organic matter, like leaves, grass clippings or hay to the bucket. This organic material begins to ferment, producing a scent that attracts female mosquitoes.

Add Water
Fill the bucket with water. If using tap water, let it sit for 24-48 hours to allow chlorine to evaporate, or use rainwater.

Let it ferment
Allow the mixture to sit for a few days until it starts to ferment, creating an irresistible breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Add Mosquito Dunk
Once mosquitoes have laid their eggs in the water, add a Mosquito Dunk to the mix. The Bt-i in the dunk will kill the mosquito larvae but leave other insects unharmed.

Place in a shady area
The bucket should be placed in a shady area, or any area where there are frequent issues with mosquitoes.

Maintenance
Regularly check the trap and add fresh water as needed to maintain the level. Replace the dunk every 30 days or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Optional enhancements

Covering: To prevent pets or wildlife from drinking from the mosquito kill bucket, cover it with chicken wire or a similar mesh.
Camouflage: If the bucket’s appearance is a concern, consider using a decorative cover or placing it discreetly under bushes.

Source:
https://www.popsci.com/diy/how-to-build-a-mosquito-kill-bucket/

#SolarPunkSunday #NaturalPesticides #NaturalPestControl #MosquitoControl #BtDunks

Taking a break to water the plants using #rainwater. Keeping one's #RainBarrel clean is essential to having good rainwater! And I've found that if mosquitoes are an issue, a light layer of olive oil (I save old, rancid olive oil for this purpose) can smother mosquito larvae. Natural dish soap does the same thing, without causing harm to plants.

Now, this article mentions using goldfish in one's rainbarrel. Ummmm... But, vegetable oils and natural soap will work (and so would #BTDunks )!

How To Control Mosquitoes In A Rain Barrel

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/mosquito-control-in-rain-barrels.htm

#SolarPunkSunday #NaturalPestControl #RainwaterCollection #Gardening #ClimateChangeGardening #RainBarrell

So, since we had a really dry summer last year, I'm collecting water in rain barrels to water the garden and conserve our well-water. However, as I discovered recently, rain barrels can be places where mosquitoes can breed. So I put a thin layer of old olive oil (leftover from soap making) on top. I checked on both rain barrels today -- no #mosquitoes!

"Rain Barrels and Mosquito Pests

While using a rain barrel in the garden is great for water conservation among its other benefits, mosquitoes are a constant threat, as they carry life-threatening diseases. Learning how to control mosquitoes in a rain barrel is just as important to controlling them anywhere else, especially since the pests take advantage of standing water to help carry out their life cycle. Here are some things you can do to minimize their presence:

- Dish soap– Liquid dish soap creates a slick film on the surface of the water. When mosquitoes attempt to land, they drown before they have time to lay eggs. Use natural soap and avoid products with perfume or degreasers, especially if you water your plants with rain water. One or two tablespoons of liquid soap per week is plenty for most rain barrels.

- Mosquito dunks– Also known as mosquito donuts, mosquito dunks are round cakes of Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), a naturally occurring bacteria that provides mosquito control in rain barrels as it slowly dissolves. However, it is safe for beneficial insects. Be sure the product label indicates the dunks are formulated for ponds because other types, which kill caterpillars, aren’t effective in water. Replace the dunks as needed. Check them after a hard rain.

- Vegetable oil– Oil floats on the surface of the water. If mosquitoes attempt to land, they suffocate in the oil. Use about a quarter cup of oil per week. You can use any type of oil, including olive oil. Horticultural oil or dormant oil are also effective for preventing mosquitoes in rain barrels."

Read more at Gardening Know How: Mosquito Control In Rain Barrels: How To Control Mosquitoes In A Rain Barrel https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/mosquito-control-in-rain-barrels.htm

#SolarPunkSunday #NoPesticides #OliveOil #Organic #RainBarrels #Mosquito #MosquitoControl #NaturalPestControl