Garden Bugs: Identification and Control
Organic Ant Control
Some people scoff at the idea of bothering with ant control, at all. In this piece, I tell them why they may wish to rethink that position. The article's main purpose is to introduce organic ant control, using herb plants that repel ants. For those who prefer "modern" products, I offer some information on those, too.
Neem Oil: Organic Way to Kill Garden Bugs
I love the ad for Neem that says, "We Neem business." Very catchy. But what exactly is Neem, perhaps you wonder. Well, let's start with the fact that it's an organic insecticide. To learn more about this organic option for fighting bad garden bugs, read this article.
Mosquitoes: Are You Inviting West Nile Virus With Your Landscaping?
Mosquitoes are "garden bugs" not in the sense that they damage plants but in the sense that they bother gardeners while they work in the garden. Actually, it goes beyond mere "bothering": a mosquito bite could lead to West Nile virus. What can you do? Start by eliminating breeding spots in your yard.
"Mosquito Magnet": Measure Against West Nile Virus
Not that you should be content merely to take landscaping measures (above) to thwart mosquitoes. Given the seriousness of West Nile virus, a multi-level approach is called for to control these bug pests. In addition to repellents, you may want to look at a high-tech response.
Termites and Mulch
Like mosquitoes (and, for that matter, deer ticks), termites are not "garden bugs" in the sense that they damage plants. But how you garden affects termite control, so, in that sense, termites belong in this discussion. Specifically, how you use garden mulch has the potential to draw termites.
Organic Pesticides to Fight Bad Garden Bugs
About's Gardening Guide presents information on some organic pesticides used to fight garden bugs: soaps, oils, Bacillus thuringiensis, pyrethrins, Rotenone, Sabadilla and Sevin. Find out more about the weapons to include in your arsenal against the garden bugs that you've identified as being bad.
Pictures for Garden Bug Identification, Identifying Diseases
Consult these photos from About's Gardening Guide for help with garden bug identification. Use Marie Iannotti's photo gallery as a "Who's Who" of bugs before you use any pesticides in the yard. Marie's gallery also shows you what some of the common plant diseases look like.
Insect Identification
An impressive resource compiled by the Ohio State University Extension for the identification of insect nuisances. Click on the links, and you are taken to an image of each insect. In addition, notes are provided on its life cycle and pest control methods.
Organic Earwig Control -- Trapping Earwigs
"The most effective way to control earwigs without insecticides is the use of trapping," states this Web page on the organic control of earwigs. But the key to trapping earwigs effectively is knowing their habits -- the subject of this article.
Fire Ants
Learn more about the biology of imported red fire ants to understand the pest-control challenges they pose. Information provided by Quality Green Lawn Care company.
Japanese Beetle Control
"Organic treatment for Japanese Beetle control can take some time to work or can be a lot of work, depending on the density of your Japanese Beetle population," write the folks at Bluegrass Gardens. But they do offer some suggestions for organic control, including the use of milky spore.