Unless you are opposed for religious reasons, this is exactly the type of situation that roundup was invented for. One sprayed on dose and you can start seeding the next day. IMO, it would be more environmentally friendly than slowly solarizing a big area. You save all the benefitial insects and microbes and you can plant your wildflower crop immediately. The long term impact of a 1 time application of roundup is just about zero. All that plastic you buy to cover that much area will be with us for thousands of years. If you are absolutely opposed to roundup, you might try vinegar on a hot day. It will probably take a couple tries, but it does kill cool season grass.

Same treatment as CLM, JR. Neem oil combined with Spinosad sprayed in the evening. Patty S. Here is a link that might be useful: UC IPM: Thrips

When I use Roundup to get rid of things, I don't spray it, I paint it on the leaves with a paint brush. I have different sizes of brushes to use...just depends on how large the plant is. I do this on the grass I want to get rid of too. They say you should spray on a calm day, but it seems like there's always too much of a breeze when I can get out and get rid of these things. I've also used a roller brush on large lawn areas. This really works great and you don't have to worry about the good plants around the ones you want to get rid of. On larger plants, like small trees, it usually takes more than one application. I also get the Roundup that is concentrated. This way I can make is stronger for the larger things I want to get rid of. Good luck Noelle! Kat

Diatomaceous Earth will kill all kinds of bugs and is perfectly safe for humans and pets. It is also called fossil flour. We used to use it for the chickens to kill mites - put piles of it around for dusting beds. We use it for ants (can even sprinkle it on counter tops). Works for roaches and bedbugs but fortunately haven't had to test it for those. Also good for pets - ear mites and fleas/ticks. Can be given in pet food for internal pests such as worms. Buy only 'food grade DE', not the stuff they sell for pools.