The claim is that slugs and snails are attracted to cornmeal, and after eating it, the cornmeal expands and kills them. What a simple organic method for getting rid of slugs, but does it work?
Does Cornmeal Kill Slugs and Snails?
Pests
10 Wasp Myths That Will Surprise You
Wasps are feared and hated. Granted they do sting if you disturb them but that is no reason to fear them. In this post I will look at 10 wasp myths that will surprise you. Armed with this new knowledge I hope that you will learn to either like wasps or at least hate them less.
As a general background review of wasp facts have a look at Understanding Wasps – They Are Not Evil!
Understanding Wasps – They Are Not Evil!
Why do people hate wasps? They can sting, but 97% of wasp species don’t. A sting hurts but you can do things to avoid being stung. A lot of people have an unhealthy fear of wasps, probably because they know very little about them except for the common yellow jackets which almost every gardener can recognize.
In this post I will explore their world and hopefully reduce your fear of them. I’ll also show you how to avoid getting stung, or at least lower the chance of an encounter. Learn more about wasps – they are extremely important for the garden.
People are starting to like bees, at least a little bit. Now it is time to fall in love with wasps!
Earwigs – Getting Rid of the Pincher Bug
Earwigs (Forficula auricularia) are common garden insects that do very little damage to plants provided the numbers stay low. As the numbers increase, they can become a serious pest in the garden. When that happens it is time to get rid of the earwig bug or at least try to reduce their numbers to an acceptable level.
Dish Soap Can Damage Your Plants
Dish Soap like Sunlight or Dawn is a regular addition to home pest control remedies for the garden. You use dish soap every day and eat from the dishes you clean with it – how can it be harmful to plants? It’s time to look through the bubbles and see the truth.
Insecticidal Soap – Use It Properly
Insecticidal soap can be used to get rid of certain insect pests on plants, and it is one of the most non-toxic pesticides available. However, it is still a pesticide and needs to be treated as one. Many people use insecticidal soaps incorrectly, or for the wrong type of insect. In this post I will review how it works, which insects it controls and how to use it correctly. I’ll then review the problems with home made insecticidal soap.
How To Get Rid of Ants With Mint
Ants seem to be everywhere this year, and many people want to get rid of them. A recommendation I found on social media was to place mint leaves near the hill, and the ants would quickly leave. Apparently the smell of the mint leaves is just too much for them. This seems a bit far fetched, but it is easy to test.
How to Get Rid of Slugs with Diatomaceous Earth
Slugs, slugs, slugs—everybody wants to get rid of the slugs. What about diatomaceous earth? Apparently, the sharp edges in diatomaceous earth cut the bellies of slugs, and they bleed out and die. Diatomaceous earth is used effectively for controlling insects, so maybe it works on slugs. Time for an experiment.
Mosquito Repellents – Best Options
DEET is the standard in mosquito repellants. It is both effective and safe, as reported in DEET – Is It Safe? But what are the alternatives? Do natural extracts work as well as DEET? Are there safer man-made products? Are there better natural products? In this blog post I will review the current options that are worth considering.
If you are looking to fend off the Zika virus, check this out: Mosquito Repellents That Work Against Zika
DEET – Is It Safe?
DEET is the standard for repelling mosquitoes. Some people are looking for an alternative because they want something safer. That makes sense only if DEET is not already safe.
In some circles it is reported that DEET causes autism and neurological disorders. But is this really true? How safe is DEET?
Mosquito Plant, Pelargonium Citrosum – The Citrosa Plant
The mosquito plant, Pelargonium Citrosum , also called the citrosa plant or citronella scented geranium, is highly recommended for keeping mosquitoes away. This plant is marketed as being specifically developed to continually give off a mosquito repelling scent. Turns out you can grow this plant in many gardens.
The mosquito plant has been confused by some in the horticulture industry, and falsely called the citronella plant. In Citronella Plant keeps Mosquitoes Away, I explained and clarified this mixup.
Eggshells Control Slugs – Do They Really Work?
Eggshells control slugs, according to most books, and all kinds of gardening experts. Slugs and snails can be a real problem in the garden, eating all those precious plants. It seems to be a constant battle and eggshells are routinely recommended.
Do they really work?
