Best way to control insects??

[tem1160]

Anyone have a good way to control insects in an aquaponics system. I seem to be getting over run with aphids and white flies. I have tried insecticidal soap and a product called "Organocide" (sesame oil and fish extract). All I have been able to do so far is burn the leaves off of my peppers. Any help would be appreciated.

[urbanfarmer]

Organic neem oil is a broad spectrum insecticide, miticide and fungicide, 70% Neem Oil controls numerous diseases as well as insects and mites.

Lady bugs will eat the aphids.
* When released at sundown (because they don't fly at night), ladybugs eat aphids, mealy bugs, scale, leaf hoppers, and other destructive pests
* They keep on eating until the bad guys are gone
* Ladybugs prefer to eat aphids and will devour up to 50 a day

http://www.horticulturesource.com/product_info.php?products_id=3857

[tem1160]

Thanks urbanfarmer. I stayed away from the neem oil because I was told it is toxic to fish. I'll give it a try and see if it works. I'm really surprised I haven't seen more beneficials in my garden. We normally have an abundance of ladybugs and lacewings especially where there is an infestation of bad bugs. Thanks for the help.

[urbanfarmer]

Well, as long as you don't let it get in the water it should be fine, but personally I would not take the risk unless you had a serious infestation on your hands. If you are going to do it, use the oil on a clothe and wipe it on the affected areas to prevent leeching of the oil into the water.

Lizards and frogs are another good way to control problematic bugs.

Is neem oil harmful to fish and amphibians?
http://www.discoverneem.com/is-neem-oil-harmful-to-fish-and-amphibians.html

PAN Pesticides Database - Chemicals
http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_Chemical.jsp?Rec_Id=PC35751

[tem1160]

Thank you so much. The link answers my question about neem.

[stucco]

I’m afraid to use any of the things mentioned- any type of oil (even organic) to me is hazardous to the health of my fish- they cannot breathe with oil in the gills. I always assume that spray will eventually make it into the water no matter how careful you are- especially if you are not under cover- but even still the dew could drip into the growbed.
I use garlic/chili spray, but this only slows them down. Maxi crop, Black seaweed or other seaweed sprays seems to repel them. Lady bugs only really work if there is enough food for them to lay eggs and the larva are the ones that eat the most, but generally by the time this has happened the aphids are so bad that they are pretty much uncontrollable. Lacewings are even more voracious. One suggestion would be to pull the bad plants and start over, but that depends on what you may lose in this process.
My wife is keen on companion planting for attracting beneficial and trapping pests away from our crops. Garlic and onions are most always in the garden. Flowers like nasturtiums (which are an edible and help in other ways), sunflowers (again an edible and an aphid trap) mint, fennel, coriander (cilantro) and cosmos (some of which will attract mantis) are popular choices for companion planting for aphids. Grow these plants away from the plants you wish to keep aphids off. They will act as a lure, keeping the aphids away from the plants you wish to keep aphid-free. In the garden, okra will take a great amount of aphids and still survive.
Good luck to you.

[urbanfarmer]

True enough. Given the option, I think I would steer clear of it because of the potential risk to the fish.

[JCO]

Basil planted every other pot does a pretty good job also :mrgreen:

[tem1160]

Thanks guys...I hate to throw the plants out because there are lots of peppers on them. I guess I will just keep rubbing the pests out with my fingers until the peppers come off. I have lots of basil and you are right they are not bothered by aphids only a worm now and then.

[davidstcldfl]

Wether it's a dirt garden or AP....bugs seem to hate the smell of marigolds....the little french ones seem to have the strongest smell and don't take up as much room.

Roto-till them into the soil and they help deter nematodes too.