Natural Solutions to Things That Bug You (23 page)

SIC THE ANTLION ON THEM

    There are a number of natural predators that will eliminate aphids. One of the most effective is the aphid lion, which are also known as Dobson fly, green lacewings or antlions.

    They can be purchased in most garden stores or nursery’s, especially on the east coast of the United States or can be purchased by mail order through an
    agricultural supply house. They also feast on mealybugs, scales and love to munch on thrips for dessert. Most garden supply stores will sell 1,000 eggs for about $10.00.

A GOOD USE FOR TOBACCO

    Aphids love roses and will do a lot of damage if not discouraged from getting to them. A good natural method of deterring aphids is to bury a mixture of 1 cup of tobacco (cigarettes are a good source, organic tobacco would be better) mixed with ½ cup of powdered garlic and 1 cup of compost mixed into the soil around the base of the bushes.

THE KILLER LEMON

Bring 1 pint of tap water to a boil, remove from the range and add the grated rind of 1 lemon. This mixture needs to steep overnight to release all the citrus oil. Strain the mixture and either, spray it on the aphids or use it on a soft bristle brush and paint the plant with the solution. Any citrus rind can be used, but lemon and lime seem to be more somewhat more effective. The two active ingredients are limonene and linalool.

PEPPER SPRAY WORKS GREAT

1              Tablespoon of Tabasco Sauce™

6              Cloves of garlic

1              Quart of warm tap water

Chop the garlic up very fine, and then add the Tabasco Sauce™ and the water. Allow it to stand for 1 hour before you strain and place in a sprayer. One teaspoon of cayenne pepper may be substituted for the Tabasco Sauce™.

NO LADY WHEN APHIDS ARE AROUND

Ladybug beetles love to eat aphids and will assist you in controlling them very effectively.

SMOTHER THEM WITH OIL

A relatively new agricultural product that was developed for aphid infestations is called “Sunspray™.” This is horticultural oil that will smother aphids and their eggs.

    
ARE APHIDS DOING THE BACKSTROKE?

Water garden plants, can be attacked by aphids and get their juices sucked out just like any other plant. One of the easiest methods of removing them is to hold the plant under water until they release and get drowned. If you have fish they will really love you for the treat, which they rarely get. If you plant fennel or butterfly weed in your water garden it will attract aphid eaters.

DIPPER

Dipping houseplants upside down in a bucket of water is a popular method of getting rid of most bugs. A soapy water bath cleans the leaves as well as getting rid of the pests. Do not use this method on African violets, cactus or plants that have hairy leaves and stems. This method works especially well to eliminate aphids and spider mites. Make sure that the soil is very secure before you do the dipping. Make sure the container is big enough so that it will not break off the stems.

DE-BUGGING A DELICATE PLANT

African violets and other types of delicate plants that will not tolerate a severe water spray to dislodge the bugs need to be placed into a plastic bag that has been sprayed with hair spray.

The plant needs to be quickly inserted into the bag after the spray, then tied with a tie and left to stand overnight. This will kill all bugs on the houseplant.

A SPOT OF TEA WITH A DASH OF AMMONIA

If you want to keep bugs off your indoor plants, try spraying them with a solution of 10-parts weak tea mixed with 1 part household ammonia.
Keep the ammonia away from pets and children.

HOUSE PLANT PROTECTOR

When you clean your plants leaves, try adding a few drops of liquid detergent to the water and it will keep the bugs off the leaves.

WASH ‘EM DOWN THE DRAIN

If you get pests on your houseplants one of the easiest methods of removing them without chemicals is to just place the plant under running water in the sink. The force of the running water will wash off aphids, mites, whiteflies, etc.

INDOOR PLANT PROTECTOR

Sprinkle diatomaceous earth (DE) in the saucer under houseplants to eliminate all insects from setting up housekeeping.

ODOR DETERRENT

If you place one peeled garlic clove, narrow end up, just under the soil of a houseplant it will keep most bugs away from the plant.

BORROW YOUR CHILDS SQUIRT GUN

If you think that you have a pest problem on a houseplant, take the plant outside and give it a few squirts with a strong stream of water. However, be careful not to damage a delicate plant.

POISON GAS???????????