Plant pests include the arthropods such as insects and mites, slugs, snails, snowballs, and pill bugs. Only a small proportion of insects are plant pests with most conspicuous being the butterflies and moths. Crop management to reduce damage by diseases and pest is based on integrated control strategies involves exclusion, eradication, and protection.

Controlling pest

The logical approach to natural pest control is to create a balance of organisms in your house or your garden. In a diverse ecosystem pest populations are regulated naturally. Development of this balance relies on least toxic products that minimize harm to beneficial insects. Traps and lures are used to identify the presence of pests, and to help control them. If the pests are present the least toxic method should be used first with the more toxic, Botanical or Natural insecticides used only if necessary.

Mothballs

Mothballs can be either paradichlorobenzine or naphthalene. Both act as insect's repellents in low concentrations and can be toxic to insects in higher concentrations. Both materials are used extensively as deodorants in public toilets. Mothballs vapor can be toxic to insect larva and adults but only in high concentrations for fairly long periods. Mothballs are meant to be used in small enclosures where clothing is stored such as trunks, drawers, closets, attics storage areas, etc. Never ever use them in large spaces, where you can be exposed to the vapors, or use more than is called for on the label. There can be serious health effects associated with inhaling the vapors.

Vacuum

Placing moth crystals, crushed mothballs or cut-up flea collars in vacuum and is believed by some to have a fumigant effect. Vacuum cleaner bags should always be discarded outside of the home after use or wrapped in a plastic bag and stored in the freezer between uses. Mothballs should only be used enclosed spaced such as a drawer, box or vacuum cleaner bag. Use mothballs only where they are inaccessible to children.