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July 1, 2007

Sustainable Solutions for Summer Pests

Summer is in full swing! If you are enjoying quiet nights by the pond, you may not be enjoying some of the extra company – pesky pests! If you feel like you are spending more time swatting away mosquitos or worrying that some of your pricey landscaping is getting munched away, there are some environmentally friendly ways to deal with these problems.

Of course, your water feature probably already contains some elements such as fish and dragonflies that enjoy a treat of mosquito larvae. There are other beneficial insects that can be helpful such as lady bugs and praying mantis. You can also add companion plantings to your garden such as onion, radish, and garlic to help ward off some of your unwanted guests. A couple of good resources for natural solutions in your garden are Home Harvest Garden Supply and Planet Natural. In addition to information and products for pest control, they offer a variety of products that contribute to a sustainable environment.

There are a few simple things you can do around your outdoor retreat to make it more enjoyable such as maintaining the lawn and keeping grass mowed short, get rid of debris and brush piles, don't provide feeders and food sources for wildlife, and of course your presence (and even your dog's) can help keep away unwanted wildlife!

© 2007 Vought Water Gardens, P.O. Box 184, Decatur, AL 35602