Next Season's Pest Control

**Lee** · September 2, 2010

I've identified what I will be using next season for my
garden pest control.
It's organic, very effective at getting rid of bugs, and also very
cost effective!

Lee

**mdvpc** · September 2, 2010

Lee: I have been thinking about that also. I have used green lacewings for control of aphids the last 3 years, and they are very effective. But for the whiteflys on my eggplant and cukes, they dont do the job.

The only problem with the mantis' is that they will eat beneficials also. But I may have to settle for collateral damage and go with them. You can get a bunch of them very cheaply.

What pests are you targeting?

**Lee** · September 2, 2010

I agree the mantis' are not discriminating when it comes to what they go after.
Hopefully they can help bring a good balance to the garden.
Aphids seem to be in pretty good control with the lady bugs and lacewings I saw
this year. But I need something to control stink bugs, squash bugs, beetles of all kinds, and hopefully moths/caterpillars.

I'm not sure if the mantis will help me out with all of those needs, but between
them and the massive (3") spider that seems to love my garden, I hope I'll
have less insect issues next year.

The photo was from my cuke plants this morning. I suspect I'll find a mantis egg
around there in the next few weeks!

Lee

ddsack · September 2, 2010

Nice close ups! And in that first picture, she definitely is giving you a wink!

beeman · September 2, 2010

If that male isn't very careful he'll be lunch or dinner for the female! So yes you should have eggs around soon.

September 2, 2010	#2
mdvpc Tomatoville® Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 4,386	Lee: I have been thinking about that also. I have used green lacewings for control of aphids the last 3 years, and they are very effective. But for the whiteflys on my eggplant and cukes, they dont do the job. The only problem with the mantis' is that they will eat beneficials also. But I may have to settle for collateral damage and go with them. You can get a bunch of them very cheaply. What pests are you targeting? __________________ Michael

September 2, 2010	#3
Lee Tomatopalooza™ Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NC-Zone 7 Posts: 2,188	I agree the mantis' are not discriminating when it comes to what they go after. Hopefully they can help bring a good balance to the garden. Aphids seem to be in pretty good control with the lady bugs and lacewings I saw this year. But I need something to control stink bugs, squash bugs, beetles of all kinds, and hopefully moths/caterpillars. I'm not sure if the mantis will help me out with all of those needs, but between them and the massive (3") spider that seems to love my garden, I hope I'll have less insect issues next year. The photo was from my cuke plants this morning. I suspect I'll find a mantis egg around there in the next few weeks! Lee __________________ Intelligence is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put one in a fruit salad. Cuostralee - The best thing on sliced bread.

September 2, 2010	#4
ddsack Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Northern Minnesota - zone 3 Posts: 3,231	Nice close ups! And in that first picture, she definitely is giving you a wink! __________________ Dee **************

September 2, 2010	#5
beeman Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 692	If that male isn't very careful he'll be lunch or dinner for the female! So yes you should have eggs around soon.