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Pests & protection
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43 guidesLiving in harmony with Baboons: A Practical Guide for Farmers and Communities
Baboons are part of Namibia’s natural environment. While they can be Living with Baboons: A Practical Guide for Farmers and Communities Baboons are part of Namibia’s natural environment. While they can be challenging at times, they are not pests by nature. Instead of trying to fight or kill them, it is more effective and sustainable […]
Organic Pesticides
Organic Pesticides: A Simple Guide Organic pesticides are natural substances that help control pests in gardens and farms without using harmful chemicals. They come from plants, minerals, or good bacteria. Using organic pesticides is part of sustainable farming, like organic agriculture and permaculture, where the goal is to keep the soil healthy, encourage helpful insects, […]
Red Spider Mite
Red Spider Mite: An Overview and Organic Control Methods What is the Red Spider Mite? The red spider mite, also known as Tetranychus urticae, is a tiny arachnid pest that affects a wide range of plants. These pests are part of the Tetranychidae family and are commonly referred to as two-spotted spider mites due to […]
Locusts/ Grasshoppers
Organic Management of Locusts – grasshoppers: A Comprehensive Guide Introduction Locusts (also calles Grasshoppers) are highly destructive pests that can cause significant damage to crops, pastures, and vegetation, threatening food security and livelihoods, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Conventional chemical control methods can harm the environment, non-target species, and human health. Therefore, organic and […]
How to Control Soft Bugs Organically
How to Control Soft Bugs Organically Soft-bodied insects like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites can cause significant damage to plants by feeding on their sap, leading to weakened growth and the spread of plant diseases. Controlling these pests organically is essential for maintaining healthy crops and ecosystems. Here are effective organic methods to control soft […]
Invasive Species in Namibia – Threat or Opportunity?
In Namibia, invasive species are often seen as a major environmental threat. Certain plants and animals spread aggressively, displacing native species, altering water systems, and reducing biodiversity. The most problematic invaders include Prosopis (mesquite), Opuntia cacti, Leucaena leucocephala, Lantana camara, and several invasive grasses. The traditional approach has been to eradicate them – often at […]
JADAM Pesticides
JADAM Pesticides are part of the broader JADAM Organic Farming system developed in South Korea by Youngsang Cho, the son of Han-Kyu Cho, founder of the Korean Natural Farming (KNF) movement. JADAM stands for “Jayonul Damun Saramdeul” — meaning “people who resemble nature.” The system was designed to make organic farming ultra-low cost, empowering farmers […]
Cochineal
Cochineal Cochineal is a small, sap-sucking insect that infests cacti, particularly species of Opuntia (commonly known as prickly pear or nopal). While historically valued for its vivid red dye, in gardens and farms it is considered a serious pest capable of damaging or killing cactus plants if left untreated. Identification and Symptoms Cochineal insects appear […]
Hydrogen Peroxide in Organic and Regenerative Farming
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a clear liquid made of hydrogen and oxygen — similar to water, but with an extra oxygen molecule. When it breaks down, it releases oxygen and becomes plain water again. Because of this, it can be used safely in small amounts for cleaning, disinfection, and improving soil and plant health. While […]
Red insect nets: promising, but crop-specific
A Japanese study found benefits against onion thrips. Here is what it showed—and what a local trial would still need to establish.
Termites in the garden: understand activity and assess damage
Distinguish useful decomposition from crop damage, keep simple observations and choose responses that fit the actual problem.
Ants in the garden: follow the trail before treating
Ants can be predators, soil workers or companions of sap-feeding insects.