Pest Detective

In search of aphids: ladybugs come to the rescue.

"Detective Dirt here," says Rebecca Kolls, "but you can call me Detective Kolls. My assignment--to weed out the good, the bad and the ugly." Here's what she recommends:

The looper is a caterpillar criminal that likes to hang out on cabbage and broccoli, riddling leaves with holes. Action report: pick them off by hand or eliminate them altogether with a natural insecticide that contains Bt.

Aphids are disturbing the peace in the cutting garden. For this job, we bring in the ladybugs. These gals really know how to take a bite out of crime; they have enormous appetites. They'll eat thousands of aphids in just one season. That's a lot of bad bugs off the street.

Finally, hiding out beneath a cushion of foamy protection, I spot the spittlebug. Even though this little insect makes a big mess, it won't hurt your plants.

"Until next time, remember: If something's bugging you, Detective Kolls is on your side."

Also in this Episode

Rebecca's Garden : Episode REB-656
•	Keep Plants Hydrated With Drip Irrigation
•	Growing Lavender
•	Herb Globes
•	Pest Detective
•	Willow Towers