I have been fighting the subject bugs on my marigolds, strawberries and zinnias in my raised vegetable garden. I am using Cedarcide, DE and hot peper flakes but the rain seems to ruin the effectiveness of these methods. Anyone have any other ideas? Thanks!

I found that putting pecan shell mulch around the base of my plants helps a lot.

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Sandi
Texas Certified Nursery Professional
Texas Master Naturalist
Organic gardener
Tree-Hugger
Native Texan

I think my mulch is part of the problem, using shedded cedar presently. Pecan mulch would be better. Do you have a source

I get mine at Brumley Gardens cause I work there on the weekends. Lots of other nurseries carry it.

_________________
Sandi
Texas Certified Nursery Professional
Texas Master Naturalist
Organic gardener
Tree-Hugger
Native Texan

I don't think your mulch is the problem. The conditions in your garden are favorable to these critters. Lava sand will deter the snails & slugs. Ants do not eat plants. If you need to, spray with a neem product or other organically approved insecticidal product. Make sure that you are not keeping the area too wet!

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/view_question.php?id=309

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The "soap" you use is normally chemicals, etc. Use real SOAP !!

I don't think your mulch is the problem. The conditions in your garden are favorable to these critters. Lava sand will deter the snails & slugs. Ants do not eat plants. If you need to, spray with a neem product or other organically approved insecticidal product. Make sure that you are not keeping the area too wet!

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/view_question.php?id=309

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7443&highlight=doodle+bugs

Sorry about sending the reply twice; screwed up.

_________________
The "soap" you use is normally chemicals, etc. Use real SOAP !!