Organic Pest Control Techniques

What is Integrated Pest Management? You've probably heard the term before. It's one of the most important subjects in the practice of Organic Pest Control, and contains methods that no gardener or landscaper should be without if they intend to stay away from harsh pesticides.

Simply speaking, Organic Pest Control and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are all about the idea that chemicals should be the very last resort in caring for your lawn or garden. IPM is a multi-faceted approach to doing this effectively. Listed below are some of the various techniques one may use if they intend to use IPM and organic pest control techniques to their fullest:

1. Your soil health is by far one of the most important variables. When a plant is healthy from healthy soil, it's more able to effectively keep bugs and pests away. Think of plants as having immune systems, much as people do. If a person does get essential vitamins and nutrients, his/her health can deteriorate and that person may suffer from diseases and illnesses. Plants are much the same in that respect.

2. Instead of using chemicals, allow the ecosystem to do its own work. Using harsh pesticides often kill the pests' predators, such as spiders and ladybugs.

3. Pruning unhealthy sections of your plants by hand keeps nutrients from the soil going to the healthy parts of the plant, instead of having to spread the nutrients to unhealthy sections. While doing this, make sure to not leave &quotstubs" hanging out from the plant. Pests find homes in these stubs, so make sure to prune flush with the stalk or stem.

4. Weed as much as possible, preferably by hand. Weeds suck essential nutrients from the soil, which keeps your plants from receiving the nutrients it needs to survive and fight off pests.

5. Start your planting earlier in the year before the bug season starts. This will allow your plants to be better suited for any type of infestation that may occur. A more mature plant would be better able to fend off an attack.

6. The best type of plant is a plant native to your local ecosystem. Don't plant palm trees in Vermont; you'll only disappoint yourself with the results. A native species is better suited to the local environment and pests that naturally occur in that locale.

7. Keep a close eye on your plants as they grow. Stay involved, and don't be afraid to get dirty. You'll be much more aware of any pests that may show up.

Good luck with your organic pest control ventures.

About the author

Joe provides an authoritative reference to organic pest control in his Organic Pest Control Guide. You can learn more about organic pest control methods at his website. from http://www.freearticlesandcontent.com/

Read More..

Easy Ways To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

The average home spends a whopping $1500 annually on energy costs an energy bottom line that is much bigger than it needs to be, because a significant portion of that energy is wasted and lost. The good news is, changing just a few simple things around your house can make a big difference and save a lot of energy and money.

More than 10% of a home's energy is consumed by light bulbs. By changing from standard incandescent bulb to compact florescent bulbs (CFLs), you can cut that consumption dramatically. A CFL uses 2/3 less energy and comes in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes. Although the initial cost is a little higher than the traditional bulb, a CFL lasts twice as long and saves more than enough money in energy costs to pay for itself twice over.

Another way to save some money and energy is by using ceiling fans. Circulating the air in your home allows you to set your thermostat higher in the summer and lower in the winter. Energy Star rated ceiling fans do the job even better, moving air more efficiently and using less energy than traditional ceiling fans.

Insulating your home is another way to stop energy loss. By checking the seals around doors and windows, you can prevent leaks and drafts that make your home inefficient by replacing old, worn-out weather-stripping and caulking. Adding door sweeps beneath outside access doors also increases insulation. Remember, windows and doors aren't the only place air leaks can occur. Also make sure vents, recessed lighting and the attic accesses are properly sealed.

Planting shade trees and wind breaks (such as evergreen trees) in your yard can also help with heating and cooling your home, in addition to beautifying the earth. All it takes is a little planning and the results can make a big impact on your energy bill. Shade trees should be planted on the sunny south side of your house, no closer than 15 feet to your home (otherwise the roots of the tree can cause problems with your homes foundation). Windbreaks are most effective on the northwest side of the house, planted in staggered or double rows.

These are just a few of the multitude of easy ways you can lower your energy consumption. There are many more, including unplugging unused appliances, turning off a light when you leave a room, and using cold water to wash your laundry. By following some of these simple tips you can make the planet a better place by using less energy and put some extra money in your wallet.


About the author

Ki lives in central Texas. He has a site about Austin Texas real estate which includes a graphical search for Austin Homes. Ki also authors a blog covering Austin real estate. from http://www.freearticlesandcontent.com/

Read More..