Common Garden Pests & Organic Treatments

We may be closer to fall than summer but there are still pests out there and there are plenty of options when it comes to organic pest control. From something as simple as water to live bacteria and nematodes, here are some organic pest control options and which Chapin sprayers you can use.

ORGANIC TREATMENT: WATER

Grab a Chapin garden hose nozzle with a strong jet stream, like our 4630, 46083, or 4640. Water knocks the pests off the plants so they can’t return.

CHAPIN SPRAYERS

ORGANIC TREATMENT: INSECTICIDAL SOAP

Insecticidal soap is formed from potassium salts of fatty acids. It weakens and eventually kills the pest. There are multiple Chapin sprayers that are compatible with insecticidal soap. *Follow dilution instructions of manufacturer. 

• Spray infected areas early morning or evening.
• Reapply every 7-14 days until infestation is under control.

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ORGANIC TREATMENT: NEEM OIL

Neem oil is derived from seeds from the Neem tree. It suffocates insects and disrupts their feeding and reproduction. Various Chapin sprayers can be used with neem oil. From small to large area applications.

• Use 100% cold extracted neem oil.
• Mix with pure castile soap as emulsifier: ratio 1-2 tablespoons neem oil to 1 -2 teaspoons of soap in 1 gallon of water.
• Spray infected areas early morning or evening or use a watering can to drench the soil.
• Reapply every 7-14 days as needed.

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ORGANIC TREATMENT: HORTICULTURAL OIL

Horticultural oil is simply refined mineral oil. When sprayed on insects and pests, it suffocates them and disrupts their lifecycle. *Follow dilution instructions of manufacturer.

• Most brands have emulsifying agents.
• Spray early morning or evening.
• Reapply every 7-14 days as needed.  

CHAPIN SPRAYERS

ORGANIC TREATMENT: BENEFICIAL NEMATODES

Beneficial nematodes are live microscopic organisms that attack pests in their larval stage. There are three different types of nematodes, each targeting specific types of pests. Choose the best type of nematode, based on which pest you need to eliminate. Apply it with Chapin’s G362D hose end sprayer. *Dilute in water according to manufacturer instructions.

• Spray directly on lawn, soil or foliage.
• Apply in Spring, August and September.
• May need to treat infected area more than once.
• Japanese Beetles – Heterorhabditis bacteriophora
• Caterpillars – Steinernema carpocapsae & Steinernema feltiae

ORGANIC TREATMENT: Bt – BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS

Naturally occuring bacteria, bacillus thuringiensis, can be used as a biological insecticide. Different strains target specific pests and it’s available in liquid or soluble powder form. This allows you to choose from a variety of Chapin sprayers that meet your needs.

• Dilute with water according to manufacturer instructions.
• Spray in soil to attack grubs, and on foliage and pests.
• Japanese Beetles – Treat with Btg
• Caterpillars – Treat with BtK

CHAPIN SPRAYERS

Printable Chart Available Here

*Before spraying any of the organic treatments listed above, double check to make sure your plants are compatible and learn more about the appropriate frequency of application. 

*Chapin doesn’t recommend leaving product in the sprayer over a long period of time. Chemicals could plug the shut-off and nozzle over time or depending on the product, damage the seals. For products that are less aggressive, Clean your sprayer at least every two weeks to make sure the chemicals don’t plug the shut-off, nozzle and other components. Best practice is to clean your sprayer after every use.