Do you prioritize the purchase or growth of organic foods over non-organic foods? What is the difference between organic and no-organic for want of a better phrase? Do you buy organic produce? Or, you have a home vegetable garden where you grow your vegetables? If you plant vegetables in a garden and keep chickens for eggs, are you considering implementing organic pest control mechanisms?
What is organic?
Organically grown food is “produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations.” And organic milk, eggs, and meat are from animals that eat natural foods like grains, grass, and pre-mixed food without the addition of growth hormones and antibiotics.
The phrase “organic food” was first coined in 1939 by Lord Northbourne in his book, “Look to the Land.” He first conceived the idea that the farm was a living organism, a phrase used to “describe a holistic, ecologically balanced approach to farming.” He also differentiated between organic farming and chemical farming which is the need to use chemical fertilizers to grow crops.
Organic food has steadily grown in popularity. And, as the Organic Trade Association noted, US 2018 organic food sales broke through the $50 billion barrier. Statistically speaking, this translates into a 6.3% increase in sales recorded in 2017.
What is organic pest control?
The word “organic” is defined as any “substance containing the element carbon.” Additionally, “carbon is present in all living matter.” Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that all organic materials are originated from living matter.
Consequently, organic pest control, like local scorpion control, is defined as the use of natural or organic methods to control the influx of harmful pests. And, it is essential to be mindful of the fact that organic, or biological, pest control is in direct opposition to the use of chemicals to control pests.
Implementing organic pest control measures
By virtue of its definition, organic pest control excludes the use of chemicals to control pests like ants, scorpions, rats, mice, and spiders on crops and in human settlement areas. On the other hand, it includes the following:
Physical controls
Homeowners should install window and door screens in front of all external doors and windows to keep insects such as flies, mosquito, and ants out. And, measures such as shade cloth and polyester floating row covers can be used to keep insects off vegetable plants.
Building and yard maintenance
Insect and rodent pests get into buildings such as grain storage areas and homes through holes in the external structure. Thus, it is vital to check all outer building walls regularly and patch any holes or gaps as soon as they occur. This will keep pests out.
Additionally, pests hide in organic refuse such as leaves, grass clippings, and fallen tree branches. Thus, it is vital to keep yards neat, clean, and tidy. Rake up all grass clippings and fallen leaves and branches. And, either put the garden refuse on a compost heap or ensure that it is removed and recycled by the local refuse removals company.
