Ducks for Insect Control
Spraying chemical insecticides around our homes and buildings or on our lawns is about the worst possible scenario for dealing with unwanted insects. The chemicals are dangerous and damaging to our health, to our pets, even to visiting birds, bees, and butterflies. So, what is the alternative? There are several.
For those areas in the house or around buildings, we recommend either diatomaceous earth or a citrus-based oil spray. (We like Orange Guard.) We have also used cinnamon, peppermint oil, and vineagar. There are many other alternatives, too.
But, what do we do with our lawns, fields, or pastures that are close enough to send a deluge of unwanted spiders, ants, box elder beetles, ticks, fleas, and so on into our homes, onto our pets, and sometimes literally in our hair? We use geese and ducks! Both geese and ducks make short work of bugs. They Love to eat them! Ducks benefit other livestock, as well. They will eat insects in any stage of metamorphosis. So, while they are eating liver flukes that are dangerous to other animals, they are also eating the mosquito larvae in the pond. It is a good relationship - and it totally non-toxic!
Chickens will also feast on insects. However, we prefer the ducks as they have higher body temperatures, therefore are less prone to carrying diseases. Peacocks and guineas are wonderful bug-eaters, but some find them to be a bit too vocal. Ducks are more quiet and offer the benefit of fresh eggs. These eggs are not only good for cooking (for those who consume eggs), but they can also be used in making homemade dog food (for added proteins) or just composted. Crushed egg shell is high in calcium and can be applied right into the garden to boost plant growth.
Check out this video of some Welsh Harlequin ducks hard at work!
For those areas in the house or around buildings, we recommend either diatomaceous earth or a citrus-based oil spray. (We like Orange Guard.) We have also used cinnamon, peppermint oil, and vineagar. There are many other alternatives, too.
But, what do we do with our lawns, fields, or pastures that are close enough to send a deluge of unwanted spiders, ants, box elder beetles, ticks, fleas, and so on into our homes, onto our pets, and sometimes literally in our hair? We use geese and ducks! Both geese and ducks make short work of bugs. They Love to eat them! Ducks benefit other livestock, as well. They will eat insects in any stage of metamorphosis. So, while they are eating liver flukes that are dangerous to other animals, they are also eating the mosquito larvae in the pond. It is a good relationship - and it totally non-toxic!
Chickens will also feast on insects. However, we prefer the ducks as they have higher body temperatures, therefore are less prone to carrying diseases. Peacocks and guineas are wonderful bug-eaters, but some find them to be a bit too vocal. Ducks are more quiet and offer the benefit of fresh eggs. These eggs are not only good for cooking (for those who consume eggs), but they can also be used in making homemade dog food (for added proteins) or just composted. Crushed egg shell is high in calcium and can be applied right into the garden to boost plant growth.
Check out this video of some Welsh Harlequin ducks hard at work!
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