I DESPISE squash bugs! But, since I don't want to kill pollinators or other beneficial insects, I have used companion planting, DE, soap sprays to control them. I also gather tips from fellow gardeners - LOVE the duct tape idea for the eggs, Gumby! One thing that works to keep the squash bugs from my cucumbers is planting them among tansy. It has worked for me every year, though I have had problems in another area of the garden with my squash and melons. Someone suggested to avoid using mulch for my squash, and that is what I will do this year, since the cukes get no mulch either - must be a connection. Row cover is another good tip, but I have not yet tried this. I would encourage you to try and avoid using pesticides, as the jury's still out on the connection betweeen their use and the problems with bee colony collapse. Depends on what study you read, and who put it out there, but my bet is that pesticide use cannot be ruled out as at least part of the cause.

So you can tell by looking at the plant whether you have thrips or not? You didn't see any evidence of them in my photos, yorkrose? Yes, I have had winter moths for the past four years. It is really a pain, but I keep observing to see how it changes from year to year. This year they were late, but they did show up. They weren't as bad as previous years. One year my two Maples had very visible holes all over the tree. This year I can't see a lot at all. It's even more annoying when they drop down onto plants in the yard. But on the other hand, there are lots of birds that have started camping out for the abundance of food. I see starlings especially like them and are in the trees hunting and pecking. I've seen sparrows eating them and this year I've been amazed to see Orioles hopping around in the trees eating them. So I've held off on using the BT. Right now I think with the few roses I have, hand picking and close observation may keep things manageable. I hope! [g] Kate, are there bugs that eat the sawfly larvae? York Rose, thanks for that link. I see they are supposed to feed until mid June. I've already seen a noticeable dropoff in activity.

Ladybug larvae eat aphids etc. actually it's usually larvae period that eat these other "bad" bugs. The actual beatles/ladybugs with the shell that fly are not going to consume all that many of them. However, the more of the good insects you have, the more you will have their babies. Bumblebeez lady beetles are probably finding your porch a great place for multiplying. IPM does not work the first year. You'll get eaten the first few years, but less as years go by. I'm suspecting it's not just aphids that are attacking the honeysuckle. Mine bloom constantly and never have a pest. I'm wondering if yours get white fly at first and the honeydew they make is attracting the aphids? I don't always have aphids on the same plants every year, but man, I get white fly on the same stuff every single year. Lacewing larvae will eat the whitefly. It was the lacewings that were hardest to attract to my garden because they succumb to insecticide/pesticide and fertilizer applications so easily. I think the neighborhood didn't have all that many. Having other organic gardeners in your neighborhood really does help attract that balance. GGG

Finally got my box out today, or should I give my hubby credit as he actually posted it for me today. Things are crazy as my oldest is getting married this Saturday and I volunteered to do a few projects here at home to help out. Why, why, why????? I made cookies for the cookie table and chocolate covered pretzels for the candy table, (a tradition in the area where they are getting married). Then I agreed to make little paper flowers that glue around the top of a toothpick to fancy them up. Again, why, why, why?????? The toothpicks still need to be finished and then a ton of ironing, and then the packing, and then the gardens need to have a little tlc. All before we leave Thursday morning. My husband and I did treat outselves to some dance lessons so we could be prepared. I have never really cared to dance and part of it was we really didn't know what to do on the dance floor. Can't say as we do now but at least we can fake it. Here is the DC for the box 03080660000088961649. Of course, it got hot the past few days and I wish I had gotten it mailed sooner. I am hoping for the best for the plants I sent. I did send extra so the chances would be better. Hope Amy likes it all.