Bed bugs are one of the most difficult pests to control, these pests are a nuisance living off the blood of humans and animals, their bites are known to cause allergic reactions that can be fatal. Bed bugs also cause itching and sleep deprivation, their bites that cause itching can lead to secondary infections such as lymphangitis, ecthyma, and impetigo. Other health-related issues from bed bug bites include a swollen tongue, fever, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, blisters, and flu-like or nauseous feelings.
Diatomaceous earth is non-toxic and is a great way to control garden insect pests and other crawling insects this naturally occurring substance makes DE a must-have. As was discussed in my last article diatomaceous earth is a type of powder made from the sediment of fossilized algae found in bodies of water, such as streams, lakes rivers, and ocean beds. The cells of these algae were found to be high or have an abundance of a compound called silica. The dried sediment that is produced from fossils is said to be rich in silica.
Diatomaceous earth can also be used in edible gardens which makes DE a must-have, besides controlling garden insects we will be looking at other ways this natural substance can be of benefit in the garden.
Diatomaceous earth has made a name for itself earning its way into the hearts of gardeners, whether it’s a home garden that is to be taken care of or it may be on a wider scale such as commercial gardens even farmlands one thing is clear however and that is when pests issues arise many persons reach for DE that has proven to get the job done.
Diatomaceous earth is safe and non-toxic and is effective against all garden insect pests that crawl on plants. This is a contact powder that causes extreme dehydration. Once insects make contact diatomaceous earth absorbs the oils and the fat from the cuticle of the insect’s exoskeleton causing death because of dehydration.
Hibiscus are tropical/sub-tropical plants that produce an abundance of flowers that come in an array of colors, these perennials will enhance your garden with their many colorful blooms that come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. The hibiscus plant belongs to a mallow family Malvaceae and comprises some 679 species.
Besides their beautiful flower blooms, hibiscus are hardy plants that can withstand harsh conditions but like other garden plants hibiscus also have their share of garden pests issues that can reduce a beautiful hibiscus to a nightmare. Some of these pests are mealybugs, the pink hibiscus mealybugs, thrips, aphids, scales, whiteflies, leafhoppers, fungus gnats, and the hibiscus sawfly. We will be discussing however the hibiscus sawfly and how we can bring control.
Mites are not spiders but are classed as arthropods and are among the most difficult garden pest to control, mites are closely related to ticks and spiders. The adult mites have eight legs and a piercing-sucking mouthpart that is like a hypodermic needle which they inject into the plant’s cells extracting the sap or the fluids.
Science estimates that there are at least 48,000 species of mites that can be found worldwide making this group a large family. Mites can be found just about anywhere, some of these places include crops, caves, pastures, salt and fresh water, thermal springs, and soils. Mites consume animal and plant matter, feeds on fungi, and assists in the decomposition of decaying organic material.
Some mites have also been known to affect human health, some of these health-related issues are minor to server skin irritation such as skin rashes, asthma, hay fever, and eczema which requires medical help. However, what I want us to turn our attention to are mites that affect ornamental plants and how to control them.
