October Rains

Periodic rains are beginning, and with it come crucial garden assessment decisions.  Left to their own devices, pests will overwinter and multiply come spring.  Easily noticed are the Ants marching in the house, not so easily noticed are the ones that are herding aphids.  Some species of ants "farm" aphids, protecting them on the plants they eat, eating the honeydew that the aphids release from the terminations of their alimentary canals. This is a "mutualistic relationship".  A similar relationship exists with scale as well.  If this infestation persists the health of the plant will surely fail.  One solution is a product called "Tanglefoot", which is a sticky resin you put in a ring around the base of the infected plant (especially check those citrus!).  This prevents the line of ants from ascending the affected plant.

Other pests such as spider mites can be kept in check with this organic concoction; 2 tbsp dish soap, 2 tbsp white vinegar in 1 gallon of water (non-edibles can use 1 tbsp of Murphy's Oil Soap as well).  Regular application deters the pests, while a simple hard spray with water once in awhile helps as well. 


More to come on Pest Control!