When we’re planning the garden, it’s important to think about frequent pests and how we’re going to deal with them. With continuing supply chain issues it’s better to gather what we need now than to wait until we have a problem. So while there is snow still on the ground or it’s not conducive to planting yet, figure out what you need to buy now to battle pests later

Silver Mulch for Flea Beetles

When my sister-in-law and I were talking about pest issues last fall, one of her greatest frustrations was the flea beetles that decimate her Brassicas. I was looking for potential varieties that were resistant to them, but instead found studies indicating that utilizing a silver mulch is effective. Besides increasing photosynthesis within the plants, it seems that the silver reflective material confuses the flea beetles and they move on to other plans. Just place it over the row or planting block and plant through the plastic. This sounds like a worthwhile method to at least reduce the numbers if they are problematic.

How to repel flea beetles

Beneficial Nematodes to Battle Pests

Whether it’s flea beetles or other pests that begin their life cycle within the soil, applying beneficial nematodes can greatly reduce their overall numbers. Parasitic nematodes target a number of soil born species, as well as many larval stages of insects. Once they enter the targeted host, they feed upon them, and the bacteria they produce kills the insects within days. The great news is they do not affect earthworms. And of course, these nematodes have no impact anything above the ground.

You do want to have the nematodes on hand before the weather warms in the spring. To apply them, simply mix the nematodes with water and apply by spraying when the soil temperature is above 48°. Be sure to use the nematodes within a year. Keep in mind that these are living creatures, and will lose effectiveness if too much time passes.

Nosema locustae for Grasshoppers

Last season I understood what it must’ve felt like during the Little House on the Prairie series when the locusts ate everything. I am stocking up on Noseuma locustae to battle pests later. Known as grasshopper bait in some circles, Nosema is a protozoa. It’s mixed with a bran medium that encourages the grasshoppers to ingest it. Once in the digestive system, the protozoa reproduces within the grasshopper causing it to stop feeding before dying. It’s also good because when other grasshoppers feed upon the dead ones, the cycle continues. The general application is typically one to two pounds of the bait per acre. Apply it when the nymphs are about a half-inch long.

Last year I put down one pound at the appropriate time, but really should have doubled up on that amount. And since we had had such a high density starting early in the season, it would’ve been beneficial to include a second application four weeks later. Grasshopper bait was difficult to find last year due to supply issues, but hopefully those are resolved.

Floating Row Covers

If nothing else, one of the most effective pest controls is some sort of barrier. One of the easiest is a lightweight floating row cover. This can be used to keep cabbage moths away from the plants, which in turn, prevents them from laying eggs. It’s also the only way I was able to salvage some of my squash plants from the grasshoppers, and is effective keeping other insects away from the vegetables.

Now is the time to create your battle plan for summer pests. Buy your tools now so when you notice the first signs of problems, you are ready to remedy the situation.