You may be using or considering using pesticides to prevent insects or diseases in your plants. But did you know that pesticides can cause significant harm to bees, which work for nature, and indirectly to your plants?

Since humanity transitioned to a settled life through agriculture, it has naturally focused all its concerns on the land it inhabits. Although current conditions seem to offer individuals a completely different world of thought, this is still true for the modern human of the 21st century. As consumption needs increase, the sustainability of food supply and thus agricultural activities becomes an even more critical necessity. This plays the most important role in the spread of intensive agricultural practices. In intensive farming methodology, where all technical and scientific measures are taken to achieve high productivity, combating harmful organisms is the most important topic. For this, pesticides, which are various chemical mixtures, are used. While different types of pesticides are effective in repelling agricultural pests, they also cause great harm to bees, which are nature's most active collaborators.

1. WHAT IS A PESTICIDE?

The term "pesticide" is derived from the Latin words "pestis" and "-cidus". The word "pestis" means "pest", while the suffix "-cidus" means "killer, destroyer". These chemical substances, found in various mixtures such as liquid, powder, and granules, are primarily applied to plants or soil by spraying.

1.1. WHY ARE PESTICIDES USED?

Pesticides are used to kill visible or invisible harmful organisms, prevent them from approaching plants, control their reproduction, or reduce their damage.

2. WHAT ARE THE TYPES AND EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES?

• Antimicrobials: Used against microbes.

• Fungicides: Prevent fungi from damaging plants.

• Herbicides: A type of pesticide used against weeds.

• Insecticides: Applied to kill and repel insects.

• Molluscicides: Used against mollusks.

• Acaricides: Ensure mites stay away from plants.

• Rodenticides: A type of pesticide used against rodents.

• Bactericides: Refers to anti-bacterial pesticides.

• Avicides: Used to repel birds.

• Defoliants: Are leaf defoliants. They make it easier to harvest plants with machines.

• Nematicides: A type of pesticide used against parasitic worms.

2.1. WHAT ARE THE HARMS OF PESTICIDES?

Pesticides, used to protect plants from harmful organisms, remain on food, exposing people to various chemicals other than the target organisms. Moreover, they cause pollinator organisms that increase agricultural productivity, especially bees, to move away from cultivated areas. However, there are also natural methods you can apply instead of using pesticides on the plants you grow yourself. This way, you can create 100% eco-friendly environments in your home and garden!

3. 10 NATURAL SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR GARDEN PLANTS

If you are growing your own vegetables, fruits, and flowers using heirloom seeds, you can protect both your plants and the surrounding pollinators from the effects of pesticides by easily preparing natural agricultural pesticides. Thus:

• You can provide effective pest control,

• You can create safe habitats for beneficial insects,

• You can support natural pollination in your environment, and

• You can increase the productivity of your crops.

So, let's take a look at what these natural pest control options are:

3.1. TOMATO LEAF MIXTURE

Tomato leaves contain a toxic substance called alkaloid, which is highly effective against aphids. To make this mixture, boil the leaves with 1-2 cups of water, then dilute the resulting solution with another 1-2 cups of water. Lightly coating the entire plant with this solution is enough to repel aphids.

3.2. GARLIC SPRAY

Due to its strong smell, garlic is among the most frequently used natural solutions against insects. When 1-2 cloves of garlic are crushed and mixed with 2 to 3 liters of water, a very effective natural insecticide is produced. However, to allow bees to visit, this mixture should only be sprayed on the leaves, not on the flowers.

3.3. NETTLE WATER

Nettle water is obtained by letting it sit for 4-5 days without boiling. For this, about 100 grams of nettles need to be collected without touching them and added to 10 liters of water. After the waiting period, the active components of the nettle infuse with the water. This natural solution, applied against aphids, is thus ready for direct use.

3.4. POWDERED SPICES

Spices form one of the most effective types of handmade agricultural pesticides that can act against different organisms. Especially spices made from chili peppers contain a natural component called capsaicin, which repels pests and rodents. These spices can be sprinkled directly onto the plant as a mixture.

3.5. EGG SHELLS

The use of eggshells is one of the most well-known methods to increase the productivity of houseplants and garden flowers. Eggshells, which are an ideal fertilizer for the soil, also keep mollusks and insects away from plants. For this, it is sufficient to grind the shells into powder and sprinkle them on the soil.

3.6. COW'S MILK - FLOUR - WATER MIXTURE

While insects can sometimes be removed from plants, cleaning their eggs may not be easy. In such cases, a mixture of unpasteurized cow's milk proves to be an effective solution. This mixture, obtained with half a cup of raw cow's milk, four cups of flour, and 20 liters of water, enables harmful insects and their eggs to be easily removed from plants.

3.7. NICOTINE SPRAY

Tobacco, just like tomato leaves, contains alkaloids. This component, which is toxic to many insect species, does not cause any adverse effects for bees. To obtain nicotine spray, one cup of ground tobacco should be added to 4-5 liters of water, and the resulting mixture should be left in a closed container for 2 to 3 weeks.

3.8. SALT SPRAY

Saltwater solution provides a strong defense against a parasitic white butterfly species called pieris rapae and red spiders. However, among natural insecticides, this mixture is the one whose application rate must be most carefully considered. This is because an increase in soil salinity can prevent the plant from absorbing enough water from the soil. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare the mixture with only two teaspoons of salt in 4-5 liters of water and not to apply it frequently.

3.9. BASIL, LAVENDER & MARIGOLD

It is widely known that lavender is effective against ants and basil against flies. Among these plants, which also provide an aesthetic appearance and richness in gardens, marigold has similar effects. These three flowers, effective against aphids, flies, and larvae, are among the most nourishing sources for bees.

3.10. CORIANDER

Coriander, which is highly effective against mites and acari, also holds an important place in making plant-based remedies. For this, coriander seeds need to be steeped in water for 10 to 15 minutes and then strained. This way, not only plants but also homes can be protected from these invisible pests.

Thanks to these easy-to-prepare natural insecticides, your pots and gardens can be safe, and you can feel much more at ease!