Seedhead weevils and other beetles weeds Other biological controls include birds and bats that eat insects. A single bat can eat up to 600 mosquitoes an hour. Many bird species eat insect pests on trees and in the garden. This bacteria is harmless to desirable species. Chemical controls When using biological controls, be very careful with pesticides.
Most common pesticides are broad spectrum in that they kill a wide variety of organisms.
Spray applications of insecticides are likely to kill numerous beneficial insects as well as the pests. Herbicides applied to weed species may drift in the wind or vaporize in the heat of the day and injure non-targeted plants. Runoff of pesticides can pollute water. Many pesticides are toxic to humans as well as pets and small animals that may enter your yard. Some common, non-toxic household substances are as effective as many more toxic compounds.