While organic growers prefer to use no pesticides, there are times when it is a choice between no crop or using some form of poison.

While organic growers prefer to use no pesticides, there are times when it is a choice between no crop or using some form of poison. Some of these, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, are specific to a particular organism and harmless to man and pets. Many are very toxic and should be used with caution. The reason these latter materials have found favour with organic growers is that they break down to non-toxic materials in the garden. Until they have broken down, exercise caution with these materials.
Borax

Where ants and cockroaches are a problem, mix equal parts of borax and icing sugar. Place in shallow containers in the cupboards where these pests are a problem. This material is very poisonous, so take precautions to keep away from children.