Organic Pest Control Pests. It's summer and they're out wreaking havoc. Let's talk common pests and organic pest control: Neem Oil is a great product for any gardener's arsenal. It's a broad spectrum insecticide that does not affect beneficial insects (bees included!). Neem is a hormone inhibitor that prevents growth and reproduction when the treated plant is consumed by the pest. Excellent for use against aphids, spider mites, mealy bugs, certain beetles and certain worms. Spray … [Read more...] about Organic Pest Control
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Bugging Out: Part Four
Do they ever stop? Harlequin Bug The Lowdown: Why are the beautiful ones the most evil? These tiny Picasso paintings will lay waste to all cruciferous vegetables. If these types of veggies are scarce, the Harlequin will turn to valuable edibles like asparagus, corn, beans, squash, and tomatoes. Young plants will die with a heavy infestation, and older plants will become stunted and less productive. According to NC State's Ag extension, female adults will lay approximately … [Read more...] about Bugging Out: Part Four
Bugging Out: Part Three
Pests are on the rise at this time of season, but so is Dig It's eradication knowledge. Here are more bad bugs and ways to get rid of them. Cucumber Beetle The Lowdown: Like the fabled mermaids, cucumber beetles are gorgeous in appearance, but deadly in their actions. More unfortunate is the fact that the cucumber is just one of many plants the beetle attacks. Documentation of the cuke beetle indicates it will feast on over 200 different plants in … [Read more...] about Bugging Out: Part Three
Bugging Out: Part 2
The tirade on bad bugs continues... Mites The Lowdown: Mite's microscopic size cause consternation with the naked eye. More frustrating is the fact that if mites go unchecked, they can produce 16 generations in a season! The most common interloper in indoor and outdoor gardens are spider mites. They cause damage by piercing plant cells to feed. The adults spin webs to protect from prey (thus the name). Broad mites can cause more hair pulling thanks to even being invisible with a … [Read more...] about Bugging Out: Part 2
Bugging Out: Part 1
The advent of summer brings many positives: vacations, warm weather, and a new found appreciation of karaoke bars. It also brings negatives: Hangovers, sunburns, long car rides, and most of all, bugs. These summer delights infiltrate every aspect of human life. Ants create colonies in sink drains, roaches wait for the lights to dampen, and aphids suck the life out of that prized heirloom tomato that would have won first prize at the state fair. Gardeners, more than any breed of hobbyist, … [Read more...] about Bugging Out: Part 1
A Warm and Fuzzy Insecticide Piece Part 1
A microscopic soap opera happens every day with trillions of different scenarios. Lives are created and then vanquished. Treasures taken and babies stolen. Colonies come together to defeat an indomitable titan only to lose their village moments later from a grander giant's foot. As our world turns, so does the insect universe. The size of the species (theoretically ranging from 900,000 different kinds to 30 million), rabbit reproduction rates, mammoth lack of care for fellow insects, and … [Read more...] about A Warm and Fuzzy Insecticide Piece Part 1
