There are also other organisms that attack pests such as the many varieties of bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that can control many types of larvae, predatory snails that attack other snails, and beneficial nematodes that, unlike pest nematodes, leave plants alone and attack soil-dwelling insects.
Many home gardeners and some commercial growers responding to consumers' concern about toxins are learning to work with nature to produce healthy crops. When beneficial organisms aren't killed harmful organisms are greatly reduced. When these helpful organisms have been wiped out they may need to be replaced to reduce the need for chemical control.
Several mail order companies sell beneficial organisms, traps, insects for weed control, and other non-toxic or low-toxic controls. One of these companies is Peaceful Valley Farm Supply, P.O. Box 2209, Grass Valley, CA 95945; another is Gardens Alive!, P.O. Box 149, Sunman, IN 47041.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2004
Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited