As a homeowner, you probably spend a lot of time thinking about how to protect your property from pests. There are a number of ways that you can do this. For example, you can use soaps, insecticides, and fungicides. You can also hire a company that offers pest control services.

Insecticides

Insecticides are used to control pests in cultivated plants, greenhouses and non-crop sites. They are based on microbial byproducts or botanical extracts.

Some insecticides have been found to contaminate groundwater and soil. The accumulation of these chemicals can pose a serious threat to the environment.

There are two main groups of insecticides. One is the contact poisons. These kill insects by directly penetrating their bodies. These are divided into naturally occurring compounds and synthetic organic ones.

Another group of insecticides are called systemic. Systemic insecticides are designed to kill insects that feed on the plant tissues. This type of insecticide is most commonly used against landscape plantings, greenhouse plants, and trees.

Many commercial insecticides are based on a botanical oil extract. They break down quickly in the environment and have broad modes of action.

Fungicides

Fungicides are chemicals applied directly to the leaves, fruit, and tubers of plants for pest control. They can be either synthetic or organic.

Many of today’s fungicides are organic compounds. Some fungicides are effective for protecting stored grains from fungal diseases. Others are used for preventing the onset of disease.

Most fungicides have a single site of action, meaning that they attack a specific enzyme that’s critical for the growth of the fungus. These fungicides tend to be highly specific in toxicity and have relatively little negative effect on non-target organisms. However, this mode of action also puts a fungicide at high risk of resistance development.

There are two types of fungicides: broad-spectrum and narrow-spectrum. Broad-spectrum fungicides are effective against a wide variety of pathogens, while narrow-spectrum fungicides are effective for controlling a few closely related pathogens.

Soaps

Insecticidal soaps are a common, non-toxic method of controlling pests. They are effective against a variety of insects, including mealybugs, whiteflies, earwigs, spider mites, and scale insects.

Soaps have been used to control pests for more than 200 years. They are inexpensive and safe to use. However, they do have limitations. You will need to apply them carefully and follow label instructions.

For maximum effectiveness, insecticidal soaps should be applied on all surfaces of the plant. This includes the tops and undersides of the leaves. The spray should be diluted with water. When applying the soap, make sure that the insect is completely wet. If it is not, the spray will not be effective.

Insecticidal soaps are also less effective when used in cold weather. Cool temperatures slow the rate of drying.

Neem oil extract

Neem oil extract is a natural insecticide and is used in many different ways. It can be applied to plants to control many insects and pests, including mealybugs, caterpillars, and spider mites. In addition, it can be used as a repellant.

Neem is an effective and environmentally friendly pesticide. The active ingredient, azadirachtin, is one of the most potent growth regulators on the market. Azadirachtin reduces feeding, reproduction, and growth of many kinds of pest insects.

Although neem is a natural product, it does take time to work. You may notice that you still have a number of insects around after several weeks. If you need to control a large number of insects, you might need to reapply.

You should also keep in mind that neem is not always a good choice for all types of pests. For example, you shouldn’t use it on carnivorous plants like ferns.

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are fast-feeding, highly destructive pests. If left untreated, they can defoliate a large tree, causing extensive damage. However, there are several simple ways to control these bugs and protect your plants.

First, look for telltale signs of caterpillar activity. These include rolled up leaves, chewed edges, and a silken strand. Also, check out the ground around your plant for any stray debris.

The most effective way to control caterpillars is to eliminate their nests. Nests are typically found on tree limbs or hanging from branches. Insecticides are generally effective against mature larvae. But if you have the space, you may want to try a natural solution.

Next, try to identify the insect. There are many insects that feed on caterpillars, including assassin bugs, soldier bugs, and parasitic wasps.