Where Do Bugs Get Off The Train? At The Infestation!
Well it finally happened, I got stung by a Yellow Jacket and again it was not when I was flapping around and swinging at it. It snuck up when I was minding my own business and not watching for it and it bit me in the armpit. Well the fight is on! So far I have found and destroyed 3 nests, my hanging traps have killed thousands and my husband too has managed to swat and kill a huge number of them. My attempts to kill them with a fly swatter is futile as my panic has me swatting wildly. Thank heavens I’m not using a shot gun. We have taken down the Humming Bird feeder which makes me resent them even more.
Some cooler temperatures are in our forecast and there is a good chance of rain for Friday and Saturday and I don’t see the little lightning bolts that often are displayed in the forecast, hopefully it does mean rain not just wind with thunder and lightning.
People have been dealing with a few other pests in their yards, gardens and homes the most prevalent is the Silver Fish. Now this little pest is not harmful to humans as it does not bite, sting or carry disease. However it is destructive as it will eat food products like flour, oats, vegetables, card board, books, glue, and clothing. It likes carbohydrates and proteins. It normally enters our homes through small cracks or will hitchhike in on vegetables brought in from the garden, or furniture moved into the home. It likes a moist, cool, dark, humid environment such as basements , under sinks, bathrooms, crawl spaces. It has a life span of 2 to 8 years, can live for up to a year without eating and can jump vertically 2 feet. The adult lays constantly in cracks and crevices which hatch in 3 weeks and they become a reproductive pest in about 4 to 6 weeks and they are very similar to Earwigs with the same life style other than their diet of other insects. Earwigs in your home may be an indication of other more damaging insects such as Termites in your home. To deter these pests from finding a home in your home the use of a dehumidifier will help. Seal up cracks and crevices to prevent their entry and the preferred place for them to lay their eggs. Remove overgrown weeds and leaves from around their house. The use of Diatomaceous Earth, Boric Acid will kill this bug and its eggs. This can be vacuumed up and reapplied as needed. They dislike Cedar Oil and Shavings, Cinnamon, Citrus Fruit, Cucumber Peels, Cloves, Salt and Lavender. Be sure to seal foods well to prevent them from getting in.
Another pest that has been brought to my attention is the Scarlet Lily Beetle that has been very prevalent in Alberta this year. The pest can grow to a size of 1/2 inch and they thrive on Lilies especially Oriental types, Fritillaria, Hostas, Holly Hawk and Potato plants. They do not seem to like Day Lillies. They overwinter in the soil and emerge in spring then lay about 500 eggs which will hatch in 1 or 2 weeks and these larvae are what cause the most damage. These larvae feed for 3 to 4 days then hide in the soil for 3 to 4 day until they emerge as adults and continue the cycle. Neem oil is very effective if used regularly for a period of time that breaking their life cycle.
Happy Gardening!
Samantha Nason
BS Ranch & Greenhouses
250 547 6567
sam1nason@gmail.com
