Photo: Pixabay/RonBerg
There are two or three insects that really decimate a garden quickly. One is aphids, and did you know that ants will protect them from their natural predators? Aphids produce a fluid, called honeydew, which ants just love. Ladybugs are one of the most effective natural enemies of aphids and you can buy them, but read about how to care for them before you invest. Another good method is a mixture of a pint of vegetable oil mixed with two tablespoons of regular dishwashing soap. When you get ready to use it, shake it up good, then mix two teaspoons of the oil-soap spray with a quart of water, shake well and spray directly on your plants that are being attacked, specifically aiming at the bugs.
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Another insect that decimates squash and cucumber plants is the squash bug. It can destroy a plant in just a few days. If you can pick the leaves that have the eggs on them, burn them, haul them off, however you can get rid of those leaves. But, another method that is effective is using diatomaceous earth. It comes in rather large bags, and the benefits of this product are worth every penny. Sprinkle it lightly on your plants where the bugs are. If you have slugs or snails this will kill the when they crawl into it on the ground. You do have to reapply if it rains.
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Pixbay/Myriams-Fotos
Get rid of ants by mixing one cup of 20 Mule Team borax and three cups of sugar together. Add enough water to make a soup. Then stir in a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter. If you have some peanut butter that has begun to go rancid on you, it is perfect. Take small plastic throw away bowls, like butter bowls, cottage cheese containers, etc., and punch pencil sized holes about an inch below the top of the bowl. Three or four are enough. Fill the bowl with the borax/sugar liquid to just below the holes, put on and secure the lid and place near any ant bed or ant run. This will get rid of them.
