rec.gardens.ecosystems homepage -> archive: MOD$010711.28170@rec.gardens.ecosystems



Subject: Re: Homemade bug repellant?
From: "Penny Morgan" <PMORGAN2@nc.rr.com>
Organization: Road Runner - NC
Date: Wed, 11 Jul 01 15:52:32
Message-ID: <MOD$010711.28170@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
References: <MOD$010705.20775@rec.gardens.ecosystems>



Hot pepper sprays, garlic sprays, insecticidal soaps all work on repelling
or killing soft bodied insects. My best advice though is to bring in
ladybugs and praying mantis for easy labor. I don't have any pest problems
in my gardens and don't ever have to use any pesticides because of the
soldier beetles, ladybugs and praying mantis (counted 5 huge ones today on
my plants). Try planting dill, queen anne's lace, fennel, parsley, etc.
They attract many beneficials that do your work for you.

Penny

P.S. If I have chewing larvae (i.e. hornworms or cabbage loopers), I
sometimes use Dipel Dust (also known as Bt). It is a biological insecticide
that targets just caterpillars or chewing larvae. Haven't had to use it in
the last 3-4 years.
Mick Block wrote in message
news:MOD$010705.20775@rec.gardens.ecosystems...
>
> Anyone got a recipe handy for to get rid of aphids and leaf eating bugs? My
> roses are infected with aphids and my other plants look a little chewed up.
> Don't wanna use the commercial stuff if I could be turned on to some home
> brew.
> Thanks in advance guys.
> Michael Block
>
>