Recently I've had to battle a number of pests in my garden. Proving the most difficult to defend from the creepers is my pumpkin plant. I mean I can't blame the bugs for being attracted to those big, luscious, healthy, green leaves but they're kind of essential to the growing process. First came the snails. I knew it was them because I found slimy trails all over my plants, yuck. So I set off to find a natural remedy to the infestation. I was looking more for a deterrent because I think snails are just the cutest things when they aren't destroying my garden. I didn't really want to kill them but the plants told me "It's us or the snails" and naturally I had to choose my babies. I came across what seemed to be this totally ludicrous suggestion that snails are attracted to beer. After an extensive search the only ingredient I seemed to have in my house was the beer. It was probably a year old because my husband and I don't drink beer and we're too lazy to throw it out so it was the perfect opportunity to get rid of it. I followed the directions and poured a little in a shallow dish and set it next to my garden. The next day I checked it out and it was a snail graveyard! There must have been at least 30 drowned snail corpses. I still feel bad for luring them to their deaths but found out that other people hand pick them out of their garden and feed them to the local birdies. I might try that next time, giving their death a new purpose, but I fear the beer soaked snail carcases may intoxicate the birds who will drunkenly slam into my windows. Next came these super weird black and red bugs. Some expert Googling still left me with a dead end as to what exactly these bugs are...assassin bugs? baby stink bugs? leaf-footed bug nymph? squash bugs? Since I couldn't be completely sure I figured rather safe than sorry and proceeded to poke and prod the creepy uniform clusters every morning and afternoon until they fell off. After about the 3rd day I got really tired of poking and sprinkled the plant with some diatomaceous earth to see if that would do the trick. The next morning the number had seemed to decline but that afternoon there were just as many as before. So I went back to the old method of poking them off twice a day, this time stomping the grass where they fell thinking maybe if they found a few of their dead buddies it may scare them off. My theory was wrong and the poking and stomping continued for a few weeks until they completely disappeared and were replaced with caterpillars. Caterpillars and I have such a love hate relationship. I mean we have a butterfly garden that is supposed to attract you... GO MUNCH ON THOSE PLANTS AND TURN INTO BEAUTIFUL WINGED CREATURES! Why can't they behave? They have completely devoured entire pumpkin leaves. Do you know how big those things are??? I can understand if you want a delectable snack. A hole here and there is ok every once in awhile but entire leaves? I have to draw the line somewhere. The rate at which my pumpkin leaves are disappearing is alarming considering these fatties only arrived in my garden around 3 days ago. But when I decide to take action by finding them and relocating them by hand into our garden specially made for them I can't spot the little leaf pigs anywhere. They're probably rolling over in the grass with their big pot bellies full of joy and delicious pumpkin leaves. Well guess what? They will be greeted with an unpleasant surprise if they by some miracle become hungry again. That's right, their chosen pumpkin leaf feast is now garlic flavored, their least favorite. But until then if anyone sees them, let them know this is war.
What pests do you have to battle in your garden? What natural remedies have worked for you?
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Lake Martin Breaux Bridge, Louisiana 70517 It's easy to find and easy to access. Lake Martin is no doubt a rapidly growing tourist destination for the Lafayette area. A little snow cone hut, kayak rentals, and swamp tours are just the beginning of this lake. A boat will occasionally roam the waters carrying foreigners and a tour guides voice that struggles to be heard over the motor. Local fisherman's boats buzz by from time to time. Anglers of all skill levels occupy the shore. But the real magic happens when you silently witness the life of the lake as you glide along the still surface in your kayak. Tourists come from all over to see "Louisiana Swamp" and the lake does not disappoint. It carries the most prominent features like gators galore, bald cypress trees by the dozen, and beautiful birds such as Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons. But if you're looking to make those life long memories a motor boat tour isn't the way to go. Being able to explore the lake and its wonders for ourselves is something I will always cherish. Getting just that much closer to the majestic birds and fluttering dragonflies, freezing in fear as you spot a gator peering at you from just a few feet away, feeling the sun on your skin as you take in the serenity of this place all make for an unforgettable experience. Don't forget the secret dock and giant spiders. So grab your kayak or rent one from the little shack down the road from the boat launch. Grab your kids, your friends, your partner, your fishing pole. Pack a lunch, some water, some bug spray and sun protection. Use the abundant opportunities that Lake Martin gives you and make some amazing memories! There is so much to explore. Except the dense field of lily pads in the middle of the lake. Don't try to paddle through those as a short cut. Take the extra time to go around and take in more of the lake instead of taking home sore arms. And when your husband makes you jump in the gator infested waters first to make sure its safe, take a deep breath and smile as you plunge in and stow away this blissful moment in your life long memories. I give Lake Martin
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“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” - Helen Keller AuthorMy name is Jessica. I live in Louisiana. I love exploring the outdoors and sharing my experiences. Archives
April 2015
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