Im building a 144 sq ft grow bed system.

[sebarker75]

I didnt know if they sting u or what i put two into fish tank and four on the ground and made liquid of those bad boys. They make the cookie monster look like nothing. lol

[JCO]

OK DIY Aquaponics farmer....lesson #1, you have to inspect your tomatoes (and other veggies) everyday looking for these and other eating machines. They start out small about 1/8" and can grow to about 3" in a day or so. They eat round the clock and can strip a tomato plant of leaves during that time.

You must become a trained eye to spot them because they are smart and remain completely still when they see anything move. They will also raise up the front portion of their bodies to resemble a bud as CAMO and they are good.

You can dust your plants with food grade Diatomaceous Earth which can be found at most Tractor Supply stores. It should be done regularly if plants are exposed to rain or sprayed with a hose. It is harmless to humans but don't breath it.

Google it to find out more.

[Aloha Don]

3" a day....wow
I have been inspecting pretty regularly but now will have to step up my vigilance....
to be honest...I have not seen any bugs around my system so far here in Hawaii....

[JCO]

Don, you probably don't have to worry about them where you are:-

Habitat M. quinquemaculata is found throughout the United States, northwestern Mexico, and even southern Canada, but is less frequently found throughout the Great Plains and the southeast.

As far as the

the southeast

is concerned, I can tell you now they are in Floirda

[Aloha Don]

We do have other critters here that like my veggies tho...

[sebarker75]

Well all I know at 500 pm I looked at my tomatoes and everything was alright and at nine pm I had stems for plants. Lol. Happens fast. Lol. I'm learning.

[sebarker75]

Got a few new veggies poping up. lol pretty excited

[sebarker75]

i just built a cucumber wall. hopefully it helps out.

[Roger L.]

Nice idea on the cucumber wall. When my system matures enough for cucumbers I am going to do the same thing. Once again the site pays a dividend.

[Aloha Don]

Something was snacking on my tomatoes. Think geckos like them....Curse you Geico Gecko!!!