I finally got around to reading my latest Mother Earth News, and there was a short article about using a racquet-type bug zapper to kill the destructive bugs in the garden and yard. I’ve had one of the racquet zappers for years, and I don’t know why I wasn’t smart enough to think of this very satisfying way to get rid of destructive insects. My first target was the grasshoppers. Watching them die slow deaths brings a certain amount of joy in my life! The added benefit is that it’s pretty good exercise. If you have children or grandchildren (of a certain age, of course), it’s great summer fun for them, and as it turns out, a win-win for everyone!
My main targets, other than grasshoppers, are: stink bugs, squash bugs, and cucumber beetles. I’m trying not to get over zealous about killing bugs that are unfamiliar to me. If the overall health of the plant is good, and the bugs don’t appear to be destroying anything, I leave them be.
The black crowder peas are gorgeous and really producing. My biggest problem is picking. There are so many beneficial insects on them, it’s hard to get my hands in them, and since some are wasps, they get the right of way. I’ve never seen as much flying insect diversity as the peas have this year.
There are a couple of kinds of wasps working the Italian green beans. I don’t know what it is about that relationship, but when there are wasps, our crop is excellent. I’m harvesting everyday now, and it doesn’t look like it will be slowing down anytime soon.
I’m happy to say I’m starting to see more bees around the squash blossoms. Unfortunately, the population seems to be decreasing, and I’m prepared to assist in the pollination process. We do everything we can to preserve the bee population, which is one of the reasons we don’t use chemicals. We’re having great success with the zappers and dusting with diatomaceous earth.