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NATURAL WAY
• INTERVENE USING METHODS THAT ARE LEAST HARMFUL TO US AND THE ENVI-
RONMENT
Providing habitat for birds and bats is helpful as well. Both consume many different kinds of insects both
harmful and beneficial. Planting shrubs, leaving some areas natural, installing bird and bat houses are all
good strategies for attracting birds and bats.
Intervene using methods that are least harmful to us and the environ-
ment
We have several options open to us. The first and most simple is to remove the pest by hand and destroy
it. This works well when infestations are minimal. If the problem is severe we may need to resort to spray-
ing to get control of the situation. For worms of all types bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is commonly used. It is
a bacteria that consumes the worms. A newer more broad spectrum organic control is Spinosad. It derived
from a fermentation of actinomycete, a soil-borne bacteria. It will kill worms, aphids, and hard-shelled
bugs. If mixed with a little soap it can penetrate the leaves to help control leaf miners. Insecticidal soaps
work well on soft-bodied insects like aphids.
Bacillus subtilis is a natural control for fungal diseases. A solution of baking soda is said to be effective on
some types of fungi.
By using these strategies we can attain good crop yields without ever having to use harmful chemicals.
Working with Mother Nature not against her brings great rewards.