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Where Knowledge Junkies Get Their Fix
In the course of some reporting for a freelance article, I stumbled across this list of pesticides that farmers can use and still be considered for the coveted “organic” label. Along with such common materials as “sodium fluoaluminate,” which is apparently something mined in Greenland, organic farmers can keep the bugs away with:
- Boric acid
- “Codling moth granulosis virus”
- Garlic
- Insect extracts
- Nematodes
- Pheromones
- Pyrethrums (I believe these are based on a chemical found in chrysanthemums)
- Shells, ground (oyster, clam, lobster and crab)
- Soaps
- Sulfur
- Tree seals
I’m assuming that “tree seals” don’t actually live in trees…
… but, man, it’d be cool if they did!
posted by Deb in KC on 11-15-2006 at 5:52 pm
If you mash up garlic and “steep” it with water in a squirt bottle, it will take care of pretty much ANY pest on plants, plus it will make your planters/garden smell like an Italian feast. I use it regularly and my plants generally stay free of critters.
posted by Allison on 11-16-2006 at 1:47 pm