Bug Brews
1. Planter's method for controlling large bugs that are too slow to fly away
(Japanese beetles, vegetable weevils). Or, use it to store larvae, before tossing
them, a much more palatable approach than squishing! Since life cycles of insects are predictable, it requires
less time than you would think. Coitus interrruptus gives you a big bang
for your bucks, too!
Stir a few drops of dish detergent and a teaspoon of salt in about 1 1/2 cups warm water in a pan, ideally one with a handle. Hold pan underneath the insect(s) and tap into brew. After a couple days, dispose in ground and cover with soil. We have been able to keep the Japanese beetle and vegetable weevil population tolerable by doing this once or twice a day.
2. Pepper Spray
Source: Auburn Univ. ext serv.
In blender or processor, mix: 2 tablespoons hot, red pepper 2 cloves garlic 1 tablespoon liquid soap 1 quart of water
Should be strained several times with damp jelly bag, muslim cloth, or several overlapping layers of cheesecloth, to prevent food from clogging the spray nozzle.