this post was submitted on 06 Aug 2024
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Hey all, As the title suggests, I got a pest problem. I've tried diatomaceous Earth and spinosad spray, neither of which seem to work. I'm pretty sure they've killed my crop for this year. I'm wondering what you all do. I'm trying to avoid truly nasty pesticides, and I honestly don't have the drive to physically remove them, so for me, those two options are right out. I'm willing to keep trying spinosad, I think it's mostly that it rains a day or two later, and it's gone by the time the next batch of eggs hatch. Any suggestions are appreciated.

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Next year, they planing strongly scented mint-family plants between squash plants. Mint, rosemary, sage, etc. will deter reduce pest activity, though it usually won’t work 100%. I like to use lemon balm just so I can snack on it when I’m tending the garden.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago (2 children)

Mint can be pretty invasive depending on where you live. We have a smaller bed near our house that it's basically taken over, but that's largely OK with us. I would hesitate to put it into the ground in my raised beds.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago

That is true…

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Does work though. I used it near strawberries for the same kinda effect and it does keep insects further away.

I ended up pulling it all out though cause the creep was getting bad. I feel like lemon balm or citronella is gonna be my next test.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

Cool to hear it works! It doesn't grow that high, so as long as it makes for a decent companion plant it's not a bad idea.