Page 25 - Landscape-Issue136(2)

NURTURING NATURE: ECO FRIENDLY

SOLUTIONS FOR PEST MANAGEMENT

s landscapers we are entrusted with
crafting beautiful outdoor spaces that
Ahelp enhance the properties of our clients
– from lush gardens to blossoming owers, all

aimed at creating inviting spaces for them to
experience and enjoy. However, one common
challenge that we often face in maintaining these
landscapes is dealing with pests. Whether they
are insects, rodents or weeds, pests can wreak
havoc with our carefully cultivated outdoor
spaces if left unchecked. Eco-friendly pest
control for landscapers should become part of
our core environmental thinking and actions,
while preserving the health and beauty of our
landscapes. Eco-friendly pest control methods are
generally less damaging to the environment, and
are not harmful to non-targeted insects, humans
and aquatic life. It is crucial that we preserve and
enhance our aquatic areas and limit any possible
harmful runo into aquatic environments.

Pest management is also a critical aspect of
landscape maintenance which includes the

prevention, monitoring and control of pests in of each pest, (ladybugs eat aphids; nematodes

the garden. E ective pest management seeks control soil-inhabiting pests).
to achieve a holistic approach that considers • Botanical insecticides: These are derived
various factors such as the type of pest in the from plants and contain active ingredients

garden, the speci c needs of a landscape and that have similar insecticide properties. These
the principles of environmental sustainability. are neem oil which disrupts the lifecycle of
To combat the ght against pests, it is important insects, garlic and chilli pepper sprays which

to incorporate an integrated pest management help deter insects when applied to plants.
system as follows: • Companion planting: Planting certain

1. Create a healthy garden: The rst step of plants together can naturally deter pests and
pest control is to create a healthy garden. attract bene cial insects. Marigolds can repel

Healthy plants are the least favourable places nematodes and other pests, basil can deter

that attract pests. When pests are present, mosquitoes and ies, chives or garlic when
healthy plants can resist the attack and planted near roses can deter aphids.
quickly recover. 5. Mechanical and physical removal: As part of
2. Cultural practices: Implementing cultural the integrated pest management programme,

practices such as proper irrigation, it is bene cial to also handpick, trap and create

fertilisation, pruning and soil management barriers for pests which can be e ective when
creates conditions that are less favourable for controlling them in a landscape or garden.
pests. Rand Water’s Water Wise brand encourages
3. Identification and monitoring: Identify water-saving behaviours whilst promoting the

the type of pest in your garden and monitor protection of all aspects of the environment,
its population on a regular basis. To achieve with particular emphasis on aquatic impacts.
this, use visualising or trapping tools
(pheromones). This will allow you to apply a #BeWaterWise
targeted eco-friendly pest control treatment
that will only a ect that pest. Sources:

4. Natural pest management methods: This https://www.growingagreenerworld.com/eco-friendly-pest-control/
option o ers an eco-friendly alternative

to chemical pesticides, emphasising
sustainability and the health of the ecosystem,
including the aquatic environment. Examples
include:
• Biological control: This method entails the
introduction of natural enemies or predators