anybody else having major bug problems?

novice_2009

13 years ago

I've got bugs this year like you wouldn't believe!!!

I live in Maury County, and as you all know it's been a bad weather year...but seriously, I can't believe it.

Just to list a few ( that I can identify) :

cuke beetles(striped and spotted)

leafhoppers, caterpillars (all kinds), big black ants, squash bugs, blister beetles,

stinkbugs( I think)

grasshoppers

and these are just the ones I've seen and can identify!

And it's not just a few, it's a LOT of them.

I'm an organic gardener, so this poses a problem.

Anybody else having a bad bug year?

If so, what pests?

Comments (6)

tlfox
13 years ago
I have had visitors in my pond eating my water lillies...grrr. They are the biggest black looking caterpillars I have ever seen. Other than that - the wasps, ladybugs, spiders and birds have done a good job keeping the bad critters at bay. But my poor water lillies...they are a sad sad case. :(
Dave Townsend
13 years ago
I've had squash bug issues. They took out my squash plants then moved on. I just replanted some more summer squash so hopefully I can get a better crop. Cucumber beetles also spread the wilt on my cukes. Time to replant again!
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novice_2009
Original Author
13 years ago
I had the seeds to plant fall crop of greens, I dont' think I will with the major bug problems this year. I'll save row covers for spring. Caterpillars destroyed calendula seedlings, and have been isssue on other plants as well.
I think I'll remove everything from veggie garden, till( if I can borrow one) or double dig. Then I'll keep garden free of all weeds, leaf debris, etc. Keep grass mowed...and pray.
Just this morning, found a new bug in flower/herb garden: some kinda worms in webs at the flowering ends of my applemint...there goes my mint tea..yuck.
Do yo all use insecticides?
I think I musta put up a sign in my yard that said: organic gardener : every bug that exists welcome!!!!
kbeuerlein
13 years ago
I would say definitely the bugs are wild this year. Aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers, grasshoppers, wasps and ants are all thick. And I've seen three bugs I've never encountered in my life, including this one today:

Here is a link that might be useful: Giant Ichneumon Wasp
rosiew
13 years ago
antonia, thank you much for posting the pics and info on the Giant Ichneumon Wasp. Fascinating. Will be sharing with my 'little friends' who I've tried to educate about all the beneficials in the garden.
paperart
13 years ago
Other than Japenese beatles, it's not been too bad here. I actually found a eco- friendly spray that killed those on contact so I didn't have to spray the whole plant and endanger my polinators. i wrote a blog post today about what I did to get rid of squash borers - it worked. I also grew all veggies in containers and I believe that helped with bug problems. Link to that post below.

Here is a link that might be useful: growing in containers