Stinkbug Smackdown

The Stinkbug gets its name from the odor it omits. The smell is strong and resembles cilantro which helps discourage predators like birds and lizards. They also use its odor to mark your home so they can find the same area to nest in the next year. You can buy sprays to discourage their migration but none of the online remedies sound easy to me.

The funny thing is that many over 30 crowds don’t remember stinkbugs as children because they were introduced to the United States in the late 1990s. They spread so quickly because they can generate three generations in a single season. The female stinkbug can lay up to 30 eggs at a time and they hatch only 4 days later.

 Stinkbugs are an agricultural pest so they look for areas rich in plants and flowers. They can come in all kinds of colors. From brown, grey or green to black and red. If you find stinkbugs are infiltrating your fruits or vegetables you can spray them with an organic bug control product such as Vegetables Plus Permethrin.

But as the temperature gets colder they migrate into the cracks and crevices of your home and why they end up flying around inside the house. They stay inside hibernating until the temperature warms up again. 

They are also attracted to UV light so a light trap with a small amount of liquid dish detergent at the bottom of the trap will help. During the summer months when you open and close a door near a porch light you’ll end up with more inside. You can change the porch lights to yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights which are less attractive to the bug and this will help.  Of course I have an essential oils remedy. 10 drops of peppermint oil in a cup of water sprayed on leaves and the surrounding soil of the plant will help repel them. You can get peppermint oil here: 
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/growit

If you find you have a real problem it would be wise to have your professional pest control company spray for stinkbugs in the late summer or early fall just prior to bug assemblage. You can also seal around doors, windows and outside outlets with 

silicone caulk.

Looks like stinkbugs are here to stay. And that’s your stinkbug smackdown.

DIY MOSQUITO REPELLENT MASON JARS

Store-bought bug sprays- (most of them) contain a chemical known as DEET which has been shown to cause a lot of health problems, from skin irritations to allergies, and even nervous system interference. Here is a beautiful and healthy alternative.

photo credit: CK Worley

When combined together, essential oils and citrus fruits make a very effective mosquito repellent. Here’s what you will need:

 

2 mason jars   (here I used 16 ounce Mason Jars)

20 drops of *doTERRA TerraShield (each)

One lemon, sliced

One lime, sliced

4 rosemary sprigs

Floating disc candles

*You can purchase doTERRA TerraShield here:
 https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/growit

Preparation: Add even amounts of lemon and lime slices to each jar and then put 2 sprigs of rosemary into each jar. Next, fill the jar with ¾ water and add 20 drops of Terra Shield essential oil to each specific jar (do not mix). 

photo credit: CK Worley

To activate them, just light a candle. 

These bug-repelling jars make a great addition to backyards, porches, campfires, and other outdoor areas where you spend your summer nights.

                  You can put the top back on the jar and carry them anywhere.

photo credit: CK Worley

Giant Hogweed

 

Here is one view of the GIant Hogweed plant from below. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Giant Hogweed was brought over from England for its decorative properties and planted in New England and Northwestern gardens because of it's unique and beautiful properties. But as the seeds spread it has become their Kudzu of the South. Hogweed grows along streams, fields, forests and along roadsides and has now spread into Virginia.

Photo credit: Love that Garden.com

It's pretty and reminds me of Queen Anne's Lace which is also a member of the carrot family.

The Queen Anne’s lace plant, also known as wild carrot, is a wildflower herb found in many parts of the United States, yet it was originally from Europe.

Read more at Gardening Know How: The Queen Anne’s Lace Plant – Growing Queen Anne’s Lace And Its Care https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/queen-annes-lace/queen-annes-lace-plant.htm

The Queen Anne’s lace plant, also known as wild carrot, is a wildflower herb found in many parts of the United States, yet it was originally from Europe.

Read more at Gardening Know How: The Queen Anne’s Lace Plant – Growing Queen Anne’s Lace And Its Care https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/queen-annes-lace/queen-annes-lace-plant.htm

So what’s the big deal. It is a pretty plant. Right?

It’s a killer plant. Literally.

Photo from Department of Enviromental Conservation

 When combined with moisture and sunlight the sap can burn your skin and eyes. The result? Painful blistering, long time sun sensitivity, permanent scarring and blindness. If you do come in contact with the Giant Hogweed sap you need to wash with soap and water immediately. Stay out of the sun for at least 48 hours and if you feel burning or damage to your skin you need to see your doctor as soon as possible.

Here is another view of the Giant Hogweed plant. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Brushing up against this plant is treacherous. The sap can create a mist of dangerous vapor that can burn your skin all over. It can grow to 14 feet and the stem can grow from 2-4 inches around. Like the size of a coke can. The leaves can grow 5 feet wide. The top of the plant springs flowers that have a diameter of 2 1/2 feet each.

It likes open areas with lots of sunlight and moist soil but can also grow in part sun. Hikers need to watch out for this plant.

Here is a link to identifying this Hogweed. Watch for it – Don’t touch it. You must wear protective gear to get rid of it. Remember it might be coming to a city near you!

 http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/72766.html

Photo from Department of
Enviromental Conservation

Photo by

David L. Marrison and David J. Goerig