Nigerian farmers have used proven, affordable pest control techniques successfully for generations. Many use simple tools, natural ingredients, or farming practices that work with nature, not against it.

In this guide,  we will explore the seven most effective methods for controlling pests and keeping your harvest safe.

According to Prof. Ayodeji Oluyele, in the 2024 DFORTUNE Pest Solutions conference, “ it is important to focus on controlling the vector rather than focusing on the curative” 

1. The Use of Crop Rotation

Planting the same crop repeatedly on the same land season after season inadvertently creates an ideal environment for specific pests to thrive. Many insect pests and soil-borne diseases have evolved to depend on a particular host plant for survival and reproduction. This consistent availability of their preferred food source allows pest populations to build up over time, leading to significant crop damage.

Crop rotation is a fundamental and highly effective technique that breaks this detrimental cycle. Farmers can disrupt the life cycle of targeted pests by strategically alternating different crop types on a given plot of land. When a pest emerges expecting its usual host, it finds a different crop instead, hindering its ability to feed, reproduce, and establish a strong presence.

A farmer who consistently plants maize. Maize is susceptible to stem borers, insects whose larvae tunnel into the plant stems, causing significant damage. If the farmer rotates maize with a legume crop like groundnuts or cowpeas in the following season, the stem borers will emerge into a field where their preferred food source is absent. This disruption significantly reduces their numbers in subsequent maize planting cycles. 

In addition to not hosting maize stem borers, legumes can improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, offering an additional benefit to the rotation. Planning a diverse rotation that includes crops from different plant families can effectively manage various pests and diseases. This might involve alternating cereals with legumes, root crops, and leafy vegetables throughout several seasons. 

2. Neem Extract: Nature’s Insecticide

The neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is a familiar sight across Nigeria and possesses remarkable insecticidal properties that have been recognised and utilised for centuries. Both neem oil, extracted from the tree’s seeds, and neem leaf extract contain a complex array of bioactive compounds, most notably azadirachtin. These compounds act as natural pesticides, effectively repelling and disrupting the growth and reproduction of over 200 insect pests, including common culprits like aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies.

Neem-based solutions work through multiple mechanisms. They can act as repellents, deterring pests from feeding or laying eggs on treated plants. They can also disrupt insect hormone systems, interfering with their growth, moulting, and reproductive processes. Furthermore, when used correctly, neem has relatively low toxicity to beneficial insects like bees and ladybirds, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to many synthetic pesticides.

How to use Neem Extract:

• Crush neem leaves or seeds and soak in water overnight.
• Strain and add a few drops of liquid soap.
• Spray early in the morning or evening when temperatures are cool.
  

3. Handpicking and Simple Traps

For smaller farms or in the early stages of pest infestations, direct manual removal of pests can be a surprisingly effective and cost-efficient method. This approach requires careful observation and a willingness to collect and eliminate pests physically. 

Simple traps can also be employed to lure and capture specific types of insects.

• Pick off pests like grasshoppers and caterpillars early in the morning.
• Use yellow sticky traps for whiteflies and aphids.
• Try sugar or vinegar traps in plastic bottles for fruit flies.

4. Companion Planting

Companion planting is a traditional farming practice involving planting different species of plants close to each other for mutual benefit. In the context of pest control, certain plants release natural compounds or have characteristics that can repel or confuse specific insect pests that might attack neighbouring crops. This method creates a natural protective barrier, reducing the need for direct intervention.

Effective Companion Planting Combinations

• Marigolds with Tomatoes: Marigolds, particularly French marigolds, release compounds from their roots is known to repel soil nematodes, microscopic worms that can damage tomato roots and stunt growth. Planting marigolds around your tomato plants can significantly reduce nematode infestations.
• Garlic near Cabbage: The strong odour of garlic can effectively confuse cabbage moths, making it difficult for them to locate cabbage plants to lay their eggs. Planting garlic strategically among your cabbage can help protect it from caterpillar damage.
• Basil and Pepper: Basil is known to repel aphids, small sap-sucking insects that can weaken pepper plants and transmit diseases. Planting basil near pepper plants can help keep aphid populations at bay.

5. Encouraging Natural Predators

Ladybirds, birds, frogs, praying mantises, and spiders feed on harmful pests. Encourage these by:

• Avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides
• Growing flowers and native plants around your field
• Leaving small areas wild to serve as habitat

This approach not only reduces pest populations but also promotes long-term ecological balance.

6. Use of Ash and Pepper Mix

One of Nigeria’s oldest pest control techniques involves simple kitchen materials, such as ash and pepper.

How to apply:

• Mix dry wood ash with ground chilli pepper
• Sprinkle the mixture around the base and leaves of your plants
• Apply during early morning dew for better stickiness

7. Good Farm Hygiene and Sanitation

Spacing your crops also improves air circulation, making it harder for pests and diseases to spread.

Sometimes, pest control is as follows;

• Simple as staying tidy.
• Remove weeds regularly, as they harbour pest eggs and larvae.
• Clear plant residues after harvest to eliminate pest shelters.
• Water in the morning to reduce fungal risks.

Knowledge is as important as fertiliser or water when protecting your crops. The techniques shared are powerful, practical, and easy to implement.

Remember: a pest-free farm doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. Sometimes, the best solutions are already in your backyard.