Eco-Friendly Pest Control

Office managers have always been worried about the use of pesticides on their indoor plants, and rightly so.  Some pesticides are fairly harmless, but others can be a health risk if used incorrectly.  Add to that environmental concerns especially in green buildings, the cost of chemicals and labor, the cost of licensing and the cost of recordkeeping, and you really have to wonder if using pesticides is worth it?

 If you are trying to decrease or stop using pesticides on your indoor plants, or if you’ve already made that decision, here are some more eco-friendly, people-friendly ways you can keep pests under control:

 1.         Cut off the infested leaves or stems if the infestation is minor.  Physically removing the bugs this way is the fastest, cheapest and most earth-friendly way to control pests. 

 2.         Keep your plants super-clean.  Your plants should be hand-wiped on a regular basis, both sides of the leaves, a little with each plant care session.  Your goal should be to wipe all leaves every 4 to 6 weeks to pests under control and keep your plants looking fresh and healthy.

 3.         If you don’t have time to hand-wipe, then “spritz” your plants with soapy water or a plant cleaner that is formulated to help control pests, too.  A few drops of liquid phosphate-free soap or concentrated plant cleaner in your spray bottle is all it takes.  Add a little rubbing alcohol if you know you have a pest problem.  A couple drops of vanilla extract will cover the smell of the alcohol and make the office smell like freshly-baked cookies!

4.         Use beneficial insects when appropriate and needed.  Beneficial nematodes and mites can control fungus gnats.  Cryptolaemus, beneficial mites, lacewings and other beneficials can control mealybugs, mites, aphids and many other indoor pests.  These can be purchased through an insectary such as IPM Laboratories or Rincon-Vitova.  They’ll help you determine the best mix of beneficials and quantity.  A well-educated plant care company can determine if this is a good alternative for you.

 5.         Use pest control products made with food-grade ingredients.  These are often exempt from federal pesticide regulations (although each state’s regulations may vary, especially as far as applicator restrictions and record-keeping needs.)  These are often made from plant oils such as rosemary or garlic.

Kathy Fediw is an author, speaker and consultant for the interior plantscape industry.  For more information on eco-friendly pest control measures, check out Kathy’s book, “Green Plant Care Tips for Techs,” available at quantity discounts through our website store, or through Amazon.com for single copies. 

 

copyright Kathy Fediw, LEED AP, CLP, CLT

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