Early Warning Devices

Continuing in our look at control methods, we will be talking about early warning devices used to detect potential outbreaks and infestations early enough to possibly save your plants from the dinner plate.

One device to use is the sticky trap. Bright yellow and/or bright white sticky traps do the trick. Place these around your yard. Look for insects every day. If you notice more than normal sets of the evil plant eaters, you will need to take action to ensure that the evil doers are stopped in their tracks.

Another device are row covers. If the moths can't land, they can't lay eggs, and in turn they can't hatch and the worms can't fill up on the garden lunchwagon. This is also good to prevent birds eating fruit and non-moth pests from landing on your plants. This will not, however, protect your plants from under the ground pests.

Handpick any leaves where you find eggs. Or better yet, crush the eggs with a gloved finger. That way you don't lose many leaves. If you find too many eggs, then remove the leaf. Be sure you don't remove ALL your leaves because the plant needs those for photosynthesis and transpiration.

For fruit trees, hang red balls coated with "Tangle Trap" or some other sticky substance. You will collect the moths that create fruit maggots.

And as always, clean up in the fall and don't leave debris laying around for stuff to grow on. Any diseased plants need to be burned or dumped in the trash.

Follow these steps and hopefully you will prevent further damage to your crops and maybe even be able to start a new crop in time for fall harvest!

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