However small your garden or plot, it should have a self-regulating ecosystem in place to control pests and keep your plants healthy. The simplest way to create this ecosystem is to plant a range of plants which attract natural predators that feed on pests. Ideally, these plants should provide food (in the form of nectar, fruit and pollen) and shelter for predators and sacrificial crops to maintain pest colonies.

Reducing the use of harmful chemicals for pest control is the best way to preserve and protect a fruit crop. Pesticides are harmful not only to the plants but also for humans. Fruits used for direct consumption should be free of toxic chemicals both systemically as well as externally. This is the reason why, organic fruits are in demand. They are highly priced for their safe health benefits and natural nourishment properties.

Every ecosystem consists of a chain of living beings that brings about a mutually beneficial coexistence. Animals, birds and insects benefit from plants and trees. But you should also understand the importance of these living beings and their activities offering a safe and enriching ecosystem for your plants. This is the reason why farmers breed livestock in their farms. Livestock helps in enriching the soil making the crops grow well. Birds, bees and butterflies help in pollination and plant reproduction. Then there are several insects and birds that act as natural pest repellent agents. They prey on harmful insects, worms and bugs and help in keeping the ecosystem safe and balanced for the plants to grow.

Planting a variety of herbs, flowering shrubs and trees can help in attracting beneficial insects and birds into your lawn and garden. Provide hedgerows for birds. Birds are also excellent predators of harmful insects. There are certain plants that have inherent properties to repel insects. Such plants can help in keeping pests at a bay. For instance, marigolds, a flowering plant, are well known for their pungent aroma that keeps several common garden pests at a distance.

If you want some instant solution to keep out insects and pests away from your fruit bearing trees, try out some natural pest repellent sprays. Pepper and garlic is an excellent combination that when sprayed can keep out hornworms, caterpillars, aphids, beetles, fleas etc. Red pepper spray should be used after watering the plants because wet foliage absorbs the medication faster.

Summary

• When it comes to pests, prevention is better than cure
• Developing and maintaining a natural ecosystem encourages natural predators to keep pest numbers down
• Regularly checking your crops ensures that any nasty surprises are avoided
• It is sometimes necessary to use barriers or traps to combat pests

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