Lots of people like to do work in the garden, but UK households have been urged to stop putting one particular item outdoors, and it’s crucial to know if you want to look after birds. An expert has warned using a common product in your garden could be doing more harm than good, and it’s vital you know about it.
Head of Technical at Mr Fothergill’s, David Fryer, recently shared what people need to know, and it may come as a bit of a shock. That’s because a lot of people use the product outdoors but, according to him, it should be completely avoided to ensure wildlife stays safe.
If that’s not enough, you also need to know something about slugs. Gardeners were previously told they need to be on alert if they see a certain kind in their gardens.
It turns out, you need to avoid using eco sprays outside. This is because they can do a lot of damage without you noticing.
David said: “Even natural or ‘eco’ sprays can harm the insects and birds you want to encourage. Instead, let your garden’s ecosystem do the work. A wildlife-friendly garden naturally attracts predators that manage pests, such as ladybirds, hoverflies and lacewings, reducing the need for chemicals altogether.”
What’s an eco spray?
An eco spray is a pesticide made from natural, plant-based ingredients. It’s used to control pests without harming the environment or beneficial insects. They are often used in organic gardening and are safe for use on edible plants.
These sprays use ingredients like plant-based oils and soaps to kill pests. Some also include other natural repellents like garlic or pepper.
They are generally designed to be safe for beneficial insects like bees and pets. Some are also safe for use on fruits and vegetables right up until harvest, as they have no withholding period.
However, even so, the sprays can be harmful for birds. Even if they are made with natural ingredients, birds have super sensitive respiratory systems that are vulnerable to airborne particles and chemical fumes from any spray product.
It doesn’t matter what the product is made of, it still has the potential to cause birds harm. Birds can directly ingest residues if they land on or eat from recently sprayed plants or consume contaminated water. There are a few ways the products can pose danger.
How can you help wildlife?
David added: “Once your summer blooms have faded, you can still bring colour and food back into your beds with autumn-flowering plants. Late bloomers such as Japanese anemones, asters, chrysanthemums, rudbeckia, sedum and Michaelmas daisies offer bursts of colour when pollinators need it most.
“By keeping nectar and pollen sources available late into the year, you’ll help bees and butterflies build up reserves.”
Discussing what to plant, he added: “Native hedging plants such as hawthorn provide berries in winter and nesting cover in spring. Shrubs like holly and viburnum are reliable berry producers, too.
“For blooms across the seasons, mix spring bulbs like crocus and snowdrops with summer-flowering herbs and autumn favourites such as ivy and sedum, ensuring year-round sustenance for pollinators.”
There are all sorts of ways you can keep your garden looking good throughout winter, while supporting wildlife. You just need to follow a few simple rules.
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