June 15, 2001, Newsletter Issue #75: Pest Patrol

Tip of the Week

Prevention is the best pest control there is! A daily inspection of your garden, will do more to stop problems, then all the sprays in the world. Handpick and destroy tomato hornworms. Slugs and snails can be dropped in a dish of salt. Aphids can be simply rinsed away with a garden hose. Add some lacewings, praying mantis and ladybugs to your garden. They will keep pests away and have a good meal!

Homegrown pest controls can have different effects, depending on conditions and recipes.
With that in mind, here is one you might try on one plant to test for safety and effectiveness. Check the plant in 24 hours. If you like the results, try these:
Into a 1 quart spray bottle put 1 drop lemon dish soap, 1 capful mint mouthwash and water.
Spray in the early morning or late evening.
You can also use tobacco, onion skins and garlic cloves in a gallon jar for 24-48 hours.
Run through a blender, then spray on plants. Stinky, but it works fairly well.
To help protect flowers, vegetables, and shrubs from insect attacks:
1/2 cup dead insects
2 cups water
When insects infest flowers, vegetables, or shrubs, identify the pest and collect 1/2 cupful. Place in an old blender--not your kitchen appliance--with the water;liquefy. Strain this "bug juice" through a piece of cheesecloth or a fine sieve and dilute at a rate of 1/4 cup to 1 cup water. Transfer to a garden sprayer and apply to plants. Will keep 1 year stored in a tightly covered container at 0 deg. F.

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