Tagged Questions

2
votes
2answers
49 views

How do you organically handle lubber grasshoppers that destroy gardens?

Last summer I had a problem with black grasshoppers with yellow stripes on them, which I identified as Lubbers. Now I grow everything organically and all my plants are heirloom varieties, so last year ...
3
votes
1answer
60 views

Pine Borer Beetle Infestation

I cut down a tree that was infested with pine borer beetles. I don't want the beetles to infect other trees. Unfortunately, I can't burn the infested wood. And I don't have anywhere to haul the ...
2
votes
3answers
125 views

fava bean beetle?

I've noticed this beetle on in our Fava beans. They crawl out and fly away, leaving perfectly circular little holes. Any idea what they are and what they do? Besides the little hole, the beans seem ...
3
votes
1answer
96 views

Bag worm infestation on small pine trees

I noticed that some of my small pine trees (4 ft.) started turning brown and upon closer inspection I noticed 100's of bag worms all over the trees. I spent quite a bit of time pulling off the bags. ...
6
votes
2answers
230 views

What's the best way to control squash bugs

Help! I need to get rid of squash bugs. I know Sevin will kill them, but I would like to use a less toxic method. I have been destroying them manually, but I am losing the battle.
6
votes
1answer
277 views

What is this Michigan garden insect with a striped body and reddish head?

Here's a photo of a bug in Michigan that's eating my tomato, chard, and other plant leaves. Can you identify it? For extra credit, can you tell me how to get rid of it organically?
7
votes
1answer
603 views

How can I handle a cricket problem without using pesticides?

I have a problem with crickets eating my seedlings and young plants. I have found very little information on keeping crickets away, as this doesn't seem to be a problem for most people. Without ...
9
votes
3answers
286 views

What is the best way to grow vegetables without using chemical insecticide?

I am looking for tips and recommendations because I do not want to use any pesticides. I am in Jamaica where insects are a big problem. I am using a combination of dish soap and hot pepper. Any ...
7
votes
2answers
263 views

How can I get rid of a large hornet nest in my hollow tree?

I have an old hollow black cherry tree and sandhills hornets moved in this year. The hole is about one foot from the ground. How can I get rid of the nest without a professional?
12
votes
5answers
5k views

How to get rid of insects on basil while leaving the leaves safe to eat?

With reference to this question: Insect infestation on my pepper plant, what do I do? I have these insects in my indoor "kitchen window sill" basil and they do seem to be chewing it fast enough to ...
4
votes
1answer
284 views

Soybean oil as insect repellent?

Some of the "natural" insect repellents I use (the kind you put on your skin) have soybean oil listed as one of the active ingredients. I've also seen ~6% soybean oil listed as an active ingredient ...
7
votes
1answer
295 views

How can I stop cane borers in my rose bush?

I've been having problems where whenever I prune one of my rose bushes, often one of the branches is burrowed into by a nasty cane borer, meaning I have to cut back the rose even further. I'm trying ...
7
votes
1answer
332 views

Pest control using nematodes

I have a pest situation on my apricot tree caused by the beetle Capnodis tenebrionis (see this question). I am averse to using chemical pesticides, and I read that nematodes can be used to control C. ...
6
votes
1answer
804 views

Little green bugs on root of indoor plants

I got a plant pot in my room, growing some coriander. I noticed some dusty stuff at the foot of the stalks, and upon closer inspection they are tightly clustered tiny little bugs! They are all over ...
10
votes
3answers
2k views

Insect infestation on my pepper plant, what do I do?

I have spotted that one - and only one - of my peppers plants has a number of small black flies of some type hanging around the soil. And while writing this I've just spotted that one (and only one!) ...
6
votes
2answers
69 views

Is it too late for row cover to help with insects?

Last year I used row covers on PVC frames to effectively keep cabbage worms off my broccoli and cabbage. I put the covers on in spring as soon as I put the seedlings in the ground, and then took them ...
17
votes
2answers
8k views

How do I get rid of white flies on my basil?

I've recently noticed that my basil and other herb plants are infested by tiny white flies. They spread out like snow-flakes when I spray the plants with water, and there are scary looking number of ...
8
votes
3answers
688 views

How can I kill or remove insects from cut flowers that I bring inside?

When I cut flowers (typically daylilies) from my garden and bring them inside, I often find I am treated to a barrage of flies over the next few days. I'm going to guess that there are maggot larvae ...
16
votes
2answers
447 views

What plants will keep ladybugs happy?

What plants/grasses can I plant to entice the ladybugs in my garden to stay? They are great for controlling aphids, but seem to move on pretty quickly.