got bugs?

[mommyhen42]

I couldn't find a listing anywhere else but since we are talking Aquaponics here I thought I would ask...

What are the current suggestions for insect control in an aquaponics system?

The reason I ask is that my cucumbers have an invasion of White Fly on the undersides (where else?) of the leaves.
earlier in the spring I had this problem and just pulled everything that had white fly out of the greenhouse as well as aphids since it was too early for lady bugs.

But what can you use to get rid of pests in an aquaponics system?

I had tried garlic spray when it happened in the spring but had little to no success so before this gets bad... I am looking for alternative solutions.

I heard that banana peels do great for chasing away aphids but so far have not had the need "yet" to give that a try.

I also understand you can use pepper oil spray as long as you do not allow any to drip into the grow beds... so that one just doesn't sound very safe...

[wolfracer]

I need an answer to this one also. Hi Mommyhen!

[JCO]

Try this. You may have to get rid of the infected plants first though before it will work.

Plant Genovese and lemon basil in parallel rows with cucumbers or tomatoes, or plant the basil as a border around your garden patch if outside. Basil helps to repel tomato hornworms, white flies, and aphids. Pots of basil may also be placed next to a frequently opened door to keep flies and mosquitoes away.

The neat thing about the Genovese Basil is that it is a valued herb for cooking fancy dishes in fancy restaurants either fresh or dried. Grow it to keep out the bugs and make money at the same time. Such a deal :mrgreen:

[mommyhen42]

I have to find out what Genovese is but I can easily do the lemon basil.
I hate to have to get rid of the cucumber as it is just starting and has lots of baby cukes on it now.

[mommyhen42]

I need an answer to this one also. Hi Mommyhen!
how are you doing?

I have been neglecting my forums again, trying to make some side money writing online.
So far I am up to $100 a month with hopes of making my monthly car note by the middle of next year.

[JCO]

Just hanging in here as best as possible...doctors want to operate again, but I'm being the typical ole fart and resisting them. :mrgreen:

[badflash]

If you get some Diatomaceous Earth and use it in a bug duster, it knocks 'em slick. DE is what goes in your pool filter. The dust has sharp spines and does a number on their skin and their ability to breath.

[mommyhen42]

If you get some Diatomaceous Earth and use it in a bug duster, it knocks 'em slick. DE is what goes in your pool filter. The dust has sharp spines and does a number on their skin and their ability to breath.
Bug duster?
but if I have earthworms in my gravel and the water flushes back to the tank, don't I have to worry about the worms and fish?
And, how would I administer it to the undersides of the leaves where the eggs, larvae and adults hang out, without sending the adults flying?
Sorry I just cant seem to wrap my head around much today :?

[JCO]

If you want to keep the plants, remove the from the AP, put them in pots outside and use a high stream of water from the hose to wash the bottom of the leaves and then dust them :mrgreen:

[badflash]

A bug duster is just a mechanical way of taking dust of any kind and dispersing it in the air. You blow the dust at the underside of the plants, but it ends up allover everything in the end. The stuff doesn't hurt worms or fish. You should wear a dust mask though. DE is not poison. It is a silica dust. It is only effective on soft bodied insects.

Here is a product for this I bought years ago and love it:
http://www.earthworkshealth.com/detail. ... 5Qod-lEMjQ (http://www.earthworkshealth.com/detail.php?id=7&gclid=CJnlq56AsJ0CFcZM5Qod-lEMjQ)

[badflash]

Its been 25 or 30 years since I used the stuff, so I forgot a few key points. Looks like since I started using the stuff, they have changed how they process DE for pools. It is now heat treated and won't work for bugs. The real deal irritates your skin, so they now process it to stop that. Good for you in the pool, not good for killing bugs.

The good news is that food grade DE does work, go figure. The same folks that sell the Dustin Mizer also sells the right kind of DE:
http://www.earthworkshealth.com/products.php

To use properly do like Ernie says. Blast the underside with water, then apply the DE and this willmake it stick.

[JCO]

So...I'm curious...how did you finally deal with your bug problem..? :cry:

[wolfracer]

I read about using chopped tomato leaves soaked in water then straining the water off for aphids I am trying it out today. I chopped a cup of leaves last night, they have been soaking. I believe this might work because I have a terrible aphid infestation on my green peppers but the tomato's right beside them have none.

[stucco]

Hey wolfracer, how did the tomato leaf spray work?

[JCO]

I'm still curious how mommyhen did with her whiteflies....haven't heard from her :?:

[jackalope]

I'm still curious how mommyhen did with her whiteflies....haven't heard from her :?:
She must be writing again :!:

[mpugh5@aol.com]

I have to find out what Genovese is but I can easily do the lemon basil.
I hate to have to get rid of the cucumber as it is just starting and has lots of baby cukes on it now.

the local college,cheney state uses genovese basil in their aquaponics system. they are growing it on rafts-insulation boards. they say and it appeared that the tilapia loved it. they where protecting the roots because the fish were eating them up.