The Best Organic Garden Pest Control
If you’re tired of pests eating your plants but don’t want to douse your garden in chemicals, you’re not alone. Many gardeners are turning to organic garden pest control to protect their plants in a safer, more natural way. But let’s be real—most of us don’t have the time or energy to DIY a bug spray every week, and if I am honest, I have yet to see any real results from homemade concoctions.
That’s why I rounded up the best ready-to-use, pet-safe, non-toxic pest control options that actually work in the garden. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, or a mix of everything, these organic solutions are easy to apply, safe for pets, and gentle on pollinators.
Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)
Best for: Slugs, ants, earwigs, beetles, and other crawling pests
How it works:
Diatomaceous Earth is a fine powder made from fossilized algae. It may feel soft to us, but to soft-bodied insects, it’s like crawling through glass. It kills by dehydrating them after contact.
This option is completely non-toxic and safe for humans, pets, and wildlife—as long as you’re using food-grade DE. It’s most effective when dry, so you’ll want to reapply after rain or heavy watering. Lightly sprinkle it around plant bases, garden bed edges, or wherever you notice pest activity.
My tip: I cleaned out a large spice container and put my diatomaceous earth in it so I can easily sprinkle this around my garden as needed. This is my absolute “must have” in the garden.
Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made from fossilized algae that works by damaging the exoskeletons of soft-bodied insects like ants, aphids, and slugs, causing them to dehydrate and die. It’s safe to use around plants and pets, but works best when dry—so reapply after rain or watering.
Garden Safe Slug & Snail Bait
Best for: Slugs, snails, and protecting leafy greens and tender seedlings
How it works:
This slug and snail bait uses iron phosphate, a mineral naturally found in soil. It attracts slugs and snails, who eat it and then stop feeding. It’s safe for pets and wildlife and doesn’t leave behind slime trails or mess.
Sprinkle it around the base of vulnerable plants, especially after watering or rain when slugs are most active. It’s an easy “apply and walk away” solution that’s effective and organic.
This bait contains a combination of iron phosphate, which is a plant nutrient that occurs in soils, with slug and snail bait additives.
Cedarcide Granules
Best for: Repelling fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, ants, and general yard pests
How it works:
Cedarcide uses natural cedarwood to make your garden and yard unpleasant for bugs but totally safe for everything else. These granules can be sprinkled around garden beds, patios, pathways, and any high-traffic areas where bugs like to hang out.
They’re great if you want to protect both your plants and your outdoor living spaces. Plus, they smell earthy and fresh—not like chemicals.
My tip: The way this repels mosquitoes is impressive. Keep it in the garden, but you can also sprinkle it around your yard if you are having a cookout, so your guests are not bothered by what should be the Florida state bird. 🦟
Made of 100% natural ingredients for worry-free bug protection. The natural aroma emitted by the cedar granules acts as a powerful deterrent without posing any harm to your family or the environment.
Captain Jack’s Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT) Worm & Caterpillar Control
Best for: Cabbage loopers, tomato hornworms, and other leaf-eating caterpillars
How it works:
This organic spray uses Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), a naturally occurring soil bacteria that specifically targets caterpillars. Once they ingest treated leaves, the bacteria disrupts their digestion, causing them to stop eating and die within days. It won’t harm beneficial insects, birds, or pollinators when used as directed.
Spray it directly on leaves where caterpillars are feeding, especially on crops like cabbage, kale, tomatoes, and broccoli. Reapply after heavy rain, and use in the early evening when caterpillars are most active.
My tip: I do not know if it helped, but I sprayed this all over where I saw evidence of squash vine borers. You can also inject it into the stems.
Kills worms and caterpillar stage insects while causing no harm to birds, earthworms, or beneficial insects, such as honeybees and ladybugs; this product kills by ingestion, after ingesting, bugs immediately stop feeding and will die within 2-3 days.
Bonide Captain Jack’s Neem Oil
Best for: Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, fungal issues like powdery mildew and black spot
How it works:
This ready-to-use spray combines neem oil, a plant-based extract from the neem tree, with insecticidal, fungicidal, and miticidal properties. It works by disrupting the life cycle of pests and smothering soft-bodied insects, while also helping prevent and control common fungal diseases.
Use it as a foliar spray on leaves, stems, and the undersides where pests often hide. Apply in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid leaf burn, and repeat every 7–14 days as needed. Safe for organic gardens and gentle on beneficial insects when used correctly.
My tip: Listen… it is stinky. I understand why it repels pests because it also repelled me. My tip is to do your gardening, then douse your plants down before you leave. Not the other way around.
Control common garden insects at all stages of life; Neem Max kills eggs, larvae and adult insects to provide complete control. Effective against aphids, mites, beetles, caterpillars and more.
You don’t have to settle for pests or pesticides. With the right organic garden pest control, you can protect your plants while keeping your garden safe for pets, pollinators, and people. These ready-to-use repellents are perfect if you’re short on time but still want a natural, non-toxic approach.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking for an easier alternative to DIY sprays, I hope this roundup gives you a few solid options.
