I am plagued with them in Fresno ca. When do they hatch out here? What is best to spray? And how often? I prefer organic. But I want them dead !
Since you prefer organic techniques but are willing to try conventional pest control if necessary, look into IPM (integrated pest management). Their philosophy is basically the same. Here's an IPM article for California:
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74144.html?printpage
And some more general articles:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/cucumber/cucumber-beetle-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/squash-bug-control.htm
https://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/ho/2008/fs0822.pdf
http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/cache/arl02957.htm
It seems there is a generation of squash bugs that survives through the winter and starts feeding on plants in the spring. These lay eggs in spring, and the babies feed on plants for the rest of the growing season. So these guys will always be around.
Cucumber beetles hatch or fly into an area in waves, and there are six species, so these can appear at various times. These are unfortunately difficult to control, although natural predators or carbaryl-based insecticides may work. Some people reccommend vacuuming them up. Sticky traps or attractive traps intended for beetles may work and can be purchased at gardening stores or made at home.
Hi There, While googling about the harmless fig beetle flying about recently I came across your web site. Your information was informative till you recommended pesticides if they were bothersome. Pray tell ... why pesticides since they are harmless and really not all that bothersome? In this day & age with bees "collapsing" and other human made follies with plants and animals why in the world would you make such an unnecessary recommendation? Bob Bob Hasselbrink
Everyone has a different method of control. Personally, I like to deter pests. You shouldn't have to kill them if you would rather just deter them, right? There is always a way to deter pests without killing them. Sometimes all it takes is keeping them away in the first place. Using such natural solutions as: rosemary oil, garlic oil, neem oil, Black pepper suspension, coffee grounds ,Other plant based toxins, such as chrysanthemum leaf tea, and even Hot pepper extract, is a safe and ecologically friendly way to Keep pests away without harming the natural flow of things too badly. :)
It's September in west Texas and we have tried to get rid of grub worms. I can pull my grass back just like carpet and the grubs are visible. Please give me the name of pesticide best to use at this time of year in my area. I read it needs to have dyazon (I think is the word)to doctor the yard at this time of year. Please help kill these grub!! Thank you. Tori
A natural way to get rid of grubworms would be neem oil. There are many synthetic pesticides made for that purpose. This link Will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/get-rid-of-grub-worms.htm
What is the best grub worm treatment that is safe to use around dogs?
I would suggest you use Neem Oil, as this is organic and safe for people and pets.
Here are some links with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/get-rid-of-grub-worms.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
I have placed the battery operated buzzers in numerous places in my yard and the moles are not deterred! Are there any other possibilities that might help.ft worth tx
Aside from some really nasty chemicals, there is not a whole lot one can do about moles. The best mole control I have ever come across was my Jack Russel when she was still alive.
Here is an article that will help give you some more ideas: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/mole-control.htm
The unit I moved to recently has a nice small garden, but I had to trim the shrubs today as I found black coating on some of the leaves. What is the best way to treat this?
What is the name of the involved plant and do you have a picture? It is also helpful to know where you live or at least the ag zone. Do the spots appear on the branches or just leaves? Sorry, but a bit more info will go a long way. If the affected plant is a maple, you may be seeing black tar spots. They are unsightly but not detrimental to the plant.
I didn't see an answer to the question about using moth balls, but that sounds like it might work, to me!
As long as the area you are using isn't for plants that you will consume. The plants will take this up, and it can be quite toxic. As long as you are not going to consume these plants, then it might be ok. But just make sure this is not contaminating anyone else's property, as these chemicals can be rather toxic.
Moth balls may repel small animals and some insects but they are highly toxic, especially those formulated with benzene. This means pets, other wildlife and children are at risk. Inhaling fumes is unhealthy and it takes quite a few moth balls to achieve repellent effects. You may like this website: http://icwdm.org/ControlMethods/Mothballs.aspx