Here, we’ll be discussing repellent measures for keeping locusts at bay.
In other words, we’re interested in finding out what repels locusts. For many, this is a solution they won’t mind adopting as long as it gives relief from locust attacks.
So, are you ready to learn a thing or two about what it takes to keep these pests at bay?
Let’s discuss.
10 Best Locust Repellent Options
When locusts infest or swarm, they cause a wide range of damage to crops and vegetation.
As herbivores, these hopping and flying creatures are widely dreaded for the type of problems they cause.
Gardeners and farmers understand the problem posed by locust presence and seek effective solutions including repellents to keep locusts away.
How To Deter Locusts
When faced with a locus problem, many ideas are likely to come up regarding control. Some of these might be ineffective while others might get the job done.
Do you wish to have locusts killed and kept away from your property or simply wish to put them off without having to kill them?
Locust treatment approaches are largely influenced by your needs.
As such, you’ll have to clarify such needs in regards to available treatment methods. Speaking of available treatment methods, more light will be shed on such.
You’ll have to read along for more detailed information.
Repellent Treatments For Locust
When it comes to repellent treatments, there are lots of them to consider. Some of these may be quite effective while others aren’t that effective.
Of course, you’ll have to go with treatment methods considered as being among the most effective. The reason is obvious; you want quick and comprehensive solutions to your problem.
Among effective repellent treatments to consider for locust control are natural predators, the use of insecticide spray, home remedies, and calling for scheduled treatments and inspections to ward off locusts.
Now, let’s take a look at each of these repellent measures.
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Introduction of Natural Predators
A natural and effective way to keep locusts at bay includes partnering with nature.
Here, all you have to do is introduce locust predators into affected areas. Certain bird species find locusts irresistible. Good examples of such birds are ducks and hens.
You can keep or maintain a free-range poultry farm around areas with frequent locust problems. Your hens and ducks go after these pests, thus reducing their population significantly.
Other natural predators include opossums, snakes, praying mantis, and ground beetles, etc.
If this sounds like a good idea, you may want to try it out to better manage your locust problem.
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Use of Insecticide Spray
When it comes to insecticide sprays, there are lots of them.
Some are designed to make plants unpalatable to locusts. As locusts get down to business, they’re suddenly unable to ingest treated plants due to the treatment applied to the plants.
For some insecticides, locusts get poisoned after ingesting them. This either kills them immediately or messes with their appetite. By messing with their appetite, locusts slowly starve to death.
Speaking of insecticides, there are those made using natural or DIY techniques.
On the other hand are commercial or over-the-counter insecticide spray products that can be easily bought from your nearest store.
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Home Remedies
Home remedies aimed at repelling locusts are quite varied.
These are products with a wide range of applicability and are mostly formulated from natural ingredients. Examples include garlic spray, grass trap, vinegar spray, hot pepper spray, soapy water, neem oil, and flour.
Others include the growing of repellent plants alongside vulnerable ones and insecticidal soap spray. Diatomaceous earth is another repellent product that will prove highly useful.
Let’s take a look at some of these remedies.
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Garlic Spray
Garlic spray has been promoted as an effective locust repellent. This spray is applied each week to plants by drenching all sides of the leaves.
When washed by rain, the treatment is reapplied. To make your garlic spray, all you have to do is get some garlic cloves and have them blended with a little water.
About 2 bulbs of garlic will do. A teaspoonful of liquid soap should be added.
When blended, strain and pour into a glass jar. Any time you wish to use it, make a solution by diluting with 10 parts water to one part of your garlic solution.
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Grass Trap
This serves to lure them away from your precious plants.
Because locusts are known to have a preference for grass, you can have such planted around your garden edges as well as other isolated parts of your home.
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Vinegar Spray
To make your vinegar spray repellent, mix about one part apple cider vinegar with three-part water. Some dish soap will also be an excellent addition to your locust repellent treatment.
Now, spray your plants and watch how it keeps locusts at bay.
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Hot Pepper Spray
Pepper spray also does a good job as a locust repellent. Other ingredients needed for this repellent include organic liquid soap and garlic.
Asides from the taste, the smell, and taste of this repellent solution do a world of good to keep locusts at bay.
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Soapy Water
Soapy water proves effective for the control of a wide range of insect pests. It either serves to drown them or simply push them back.
This is best applied early in the morning before they become active.
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Neem Oil
This plant insecticide is most effective when applied to locust nymphs. This is because their soft exposed body tissues make it easier for the insecticide to take its toll on them.
You’ll need to have your plants covered in this insecticide to drive off locusts from them.
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Insecticidal Soap Spray
Insecticidal soap spray is another locust repellent product to try out. Those containing organic ingredients are most preferable for use against locusts.
For best results, go for the nymphs.
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Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled over your plants to repel locusts. It works by dehydrating them which leads to their death.
Calling for Scheduled Inspections and Treatments
Professional repellent treatments for locusts tend to be the most comprehensive approach to take.
Even after getting rid of the problem, scheduled treatments ensure that locusts don’t find your surroundings welcoming.
These are the different strategies for repelling locusts. You can choose any of these to try out. You can also apply multiple methods as long as they give you desired results.