Going pesticide free is a great way to increase the biodiversity of your property and attract a wide variety of fun, interesting, beautiful, and useful wildlife. Those in the Portland-Metro area can take the Pesticide Free Pledge and get a free adorable sign to show neighbors your commitment! 

Pesticides, even organic ones, can kill beneficial insects as well as garden pests. It's critically important that if you plant a garden that attracts pollinators and other beneficials that you do not accidentally poison them. Giving up toxic chemicals also protects the health of humans - especially babies, children, and pregnant women - as well as pets. Also keep in mind that herbivorous insects are an incredibly important part of the food chain, so learning to tolerate a little nibbling on a healthy plant is something I recommend.  

Nature has natural checks and balances. Native prey animals have native predators! In order to reduce the number of garden pests you have, you want to attract healthy predators. Imagine your aphid populations kept naturally to a minimum by beneficials such as hoverfly larvae and ladybugs. 


Other great beneficials: 


How to attract beneficial insects: