Control pests naturally
Avoid heavy-handed chemical remedies that often backfire and try to maintain a natural predator/prey balance to control pests.
Encourage natural predators
Slugs: these are pretty unpopular, however, not all species are a threat. Some of those victimised by gardeners, such as the great grey slug, eat other plant-munching species. Let these live and you'll maintain balance naturally. Some species of slug also help the garden by recycling nutrients into the soil. If you have pets, species such as the European black slug will eat dog and cat faeces and turn it into fertiliser.
Slugs and snails: avoid using slug pellets and other pesticides in your garden. These harm the frogs, birds and hedgehogs that are natural slug and snail predators. Instead, enlist their help in keeping pests under control. Encourage them to visit your garden by providing food and shelter.
Slugs: a number of invertebrates such as glow worm larvae prey on slugs. Ground and rove beetles eat both slug eggs and the adults. These beetles, along with centipedes that also eat slugs, prefer damp shady areas so you can encourage them by leaving logs and stones undisturbed. Build a rockery or Make a wood pile to attract these species to your garden.
Aphids: ladybird larvae and adults and some hoverfly species are efficient green- and blackfly eaters. Simple plants with accessible pollen, such as poached egg plants, attract hoverflies as do angelica and Californian poppies. Ladybirds will go wherever the aphids are, so be patient.
Greenfly and blackfly: companion plant marigolds near plants you want to protect. They produce a scent that deters both black- and greenfly.
Vine weevil: stock up on nematodes (tiny parasitic worms) which prey on vine weevil. Buy them from your local garden centre or mail order suppliers.
Caterpillars: encourage birds to nest in your garden and they'll help you control caterpillar numbers. Remember that although caterpillars may munch through some of your garden plants, they'll soon turn into beautiful butterflies that help pollinate them.
Plants as pests: avoid planting pest species such as the invasive Japanese knotweed which is spreading across the country. Even common garden plants such as rhododendrons can become a pest when they spread into woodland and push out native species.
Slugs and snails: try using barriers beside vulnerable plants. Slugs and snails appear to dislike the acidic solution given off as pine needles decompose. Fine grit may also deter them. Success varies!
Slugs and snails: grow plants that are less slug and snail friendly, for example, sea holly, lavender, geraniums, heathers and fuchsias.
Slugs and snails: put a cloche — a clear plastic drinks bottle with the bottom cut off will do — over young plants at night to protect them.
