I recently developed a problem with cucumber beetles attacking my cukes, squash, etc in the garden. I have my honeybees on the other side of my property about 300 ft from the garden. I want to treat the beetles with some safe pesticide that will not hurt my bees. Any recommendations about what I can use to treat for my garden pests and not hurt my bees? Thanks!!
I have had some success with a 1/2 cup on dish soap mixed with a gallon of water. Spray the cucs to keep the bugs off. -Mike
Crazy...I came to the forum to ask this same question, except my problem is Aphids. A very bad outbreak. Soap and water as well?
Hydrated lime, for both. Cover the plants well. It will also help to raise the PH in your soil.
I have not tried the lime so I can not speak to it (I guess it works). I had an Aphid problem years ago an a friend and I split a pack (1000) of ladybugs. They did the job and they were cute. -Mike
I have used grated lye soap mixed with water and used in a sprayer. Just make sure you don't use your wife's grater. Not sure how it would affect the bees however. Thoughts?
i use liquid dish soap & cayenne pepper, & rubbing alcohol in water for a spray. diaomaceos earth & rotonone dust work also for most all insects. wear a dust mask when you apply it. i would also fill a spray bottle with water & rinse off the flower blossoms. bees love the blooms of cucumbers, melons, & squash. you can but ladybugs. they eat aphids & insect eggs. i also watch the leaves for insect egg clusters & clip those leaves.
You can also use the soap and water beat in 1 egg to keep deer out of your garden. Just spray it on brush around the garden.
Joe
I tried the dish soap but I only used a tablespoon to 1 qt of water. They were unaffected by this mixture. I will try mixing it at the ratio recommended. I'll also try a few of the other concoctions to see what happens. I'll report back with results. Thanks to all.
I've always used Neem Oil in my garden because at least it is organic. I always avoid spraying when something is in bloom. I believe this product is RELETIVLY safe for bees. Anyone else have any input on it?
Try planting some Zenia's in you garden.....nothing can stand the smell most insect really hate them.
I like neem oil mixed with water I would mix 1/4 cup with 4 gallons water. The plants need to be sprayed completely. The leaves need to be dripping. You need to turn them over so that the undersides are also covered. Dripping. Aphids are a 7 day egg cycle so you need to spray this every 5 days 3 treatments and you should be golden.
Also any leaves that have any damage remove and removed them from the area.
I had aphids earlier this spring and nothing now.
I'm new first year Bought neem oil so emailed company this is answer
United Industries
[email protected] May 30
to me
Dear Cecil Gross,
Thank you for contacting United Industries.
This product is harmful to bees if exposed directly meaning if you treat the
plant and the bee comes in contact with the wet product it will die. The
label states do not apply this product while bees are actively in the area.
If you decide to use the product I would recommend early morning or late
evenings when Honey Bees are less active.
Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Natalie Taylor
Product Specialist
United Industries
A Subsidiary of Spectrum Brands