Levantamento etnobiológico de pragas e formas de controle em rede social digital

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze posts and interactions in social media groups, focusing on the suggestion of natural insecticides for pest control in home gardens. The research was conducted through qualitative observation in public Facebook groups dedicated to gardening and urban agriculture. The posts were categorized into five ingredient groups: soluble, mineral, visual, organic, and chemical. The data revealed that gastropods, especially slugs and snails, were the most frequently mentioned organisms, accounting for 44% of the recommendations. Mineral ingredients such as salt, ashes, and lime stood out as the most suggested for this group. Ants and hemipterans were also frequently addressed, with emphasis on plant extracts and physical barriers. Despite the presence of chemical insecticide recommendations, there was a clear preference for natural alternatives, considered more accessible and sustainable. The analysis highlighted the role of social media as spaces for the circulation of popular knowledge, contributing to the strengthening of agroecological practices. The study suggests that future research should explore the effectiveness of the mentioned ingredients and investigate the impact of these practices on biodiversity and soil health.