Ann Thrupp's natural pest control tips landed in my inbox this morning. She's sustainability manager for Fetzer and Bonterra Vineyards. The email actually came from Fetzer and Bonterra's public relations rep, so I am giving into a PR blast by publishing here. But I have to say, since I'm not a wine connosieur (and nor do I aspire to be one), it's always a big crapshoot when I buy wine. I never remember what I've previously liked or didn't like. So it's kind of helpful to learn (and hopefully remember) that Fetzer and Bonterra are at least committed enough to sustainability that they send out an email saying so.
Here's the gist of the email:
Bonterra uses beneficial insects (attracting good bugs to eat the bad bugs) and biodiversity (planting other crops around the grapes like lavender and placing bird boxes throughout the vineyard to attract swallows). And Fetzer is all about sustainable farming through energy conservation and carbon emission reduction, natural pest control, waste reduction, water conservation and recycled materials packaging. Fetzer says it has the largest solar panel in the industry and that it purchases 100 percent green energy.
Here are the helpful natural pest control tips:
As the temperature starts to increase, so does the insect population. And when it comes to keeping your garden healthy, controlling the "bad bugs" is essential. Fetzer and Bonterra Vineyards, leaders in sustainability, use natural methods like cover crops, diversity of plants, and good bugs to control insects in their vineyards. Below are ten tips from Ann Thrupp, Manager of Sustainability at Fetzer and Bonterra, on controlling insects with environmentally-friendly methods both inside and outside the home.
· Repel pests naturally, with flowers: Plant marigolds, chrysanthemums, dahlias, or clematis vines in an around your garden. These aromatic flowers are natural bug repellents.
· Let the plants do the insect catching: Nasturtium flowers act as a trap crop for aphids.
· Offensive smells, offend the bugs: Planting garlic and onions may help to ward off certain pests as well.
· Every slug needs a beer: If you have a problem with slugs, you can "bait" and trap them by putting beer in a small plastic container; slugs usually are attracted to beer more than your plants!
· The cucumber cure: To repel ants, place cucumber peels near the place they are entering your house. You can also try spraying them with soapy water.
· Let the cat (nip) out: To repel cockroaches use catnip. Studies show that an ingredient in catnip repels cockroaches 100 times more than DEET.
· Sour those fleas away: Use citrus, such as lemon juice, to rid your home or pet of fleas. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in your pet's rinse water.
· Control insects naturally with good bugs: Ladybugs, lacewings and spiders are the gardener's best friends when it comes to insect control. An adult ladybug may consume up to 50 "bad bugs" a day. Learn how to spot these "good bugs" and protect them by avoiding chemical pest sprays, and by providing habitat for them.
· Call in the birds: Birds prey on insects and can be encouraged into the garden by feeding, hanging a birdhouse, providing a bird bath or by planting plants with berries.
· Light a candle: A citronella candle not only sets a great mood for an evening party but also repels mosquitoes.
