I'm gearing up for 2025 and my main strategy involves using Milky Spores and spreading it monthly. I'm not interested in traps or chemicals. Last year, I woke up early each morning to hunt them down and tossed them into soapy water which worked pretty well, so I plan to do that again. Anyone else have tips or strategies for managing these pests?
3 Answers
You might want to add beneficial nematodes to your arsenal! They’ve worked wonders for me in the garden. Just make sure to keep a lookout for adult beetles too. A combo of neem oil on your roses along with some soapy water ready to grab those little devils can really help.
I hear Milky Spores are great! They might take a bit to kick in, but once they do, you're golden! Last year I kept a jar in my garden for capturing them by hand and then I’d let them bake in the sun. Once the jar was full, it was chicken snack time!
Yeah, that sounds effective! Plus the chickens must love it!
I have a buddy who grows pole beans right next to his chicken coop. Every morning he shakes the trellis, and the beetles drop right into the run for the chickens to munch on. If you're considering getting chickens, they can be a fun and useful addition for pest control!
Totally second that! Nematodes are a game changer, and the neem oil keeps the plants healthy.