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Pest Detectives: Identifying and Dealing With Problem Insects Clues to help you track down the elusive aphid or sinister slug. From "Dirt On Gardening" episode DDOG-107

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Slugs can't resist beer. Pour a bottle of beer into a pie dish and leave in your garden overnight.

Tips for Controlling Slugs and Snails

• Remove excess moisture.

• Snails and slugs are attracted to the yeasty odor of beer. Put out a shallow dish of beer overnight. Slugs will crawl into it and drown.

• Consider "slug-resistant" plants. Some popular backyard plants that are resistant to snails and slugs include Begonias, Fuchsias, Geraniums, Impatiens and nasturtiums.

• Try using copper tape (available from nurseries and garden centers) to protect trees and plants from slugs and snails.
  

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  	Ladybugs are a natural and effective means of getting rid of aphids. Simply buy them by the bag at your nursery and set them free in your garden.
  	A homemade mix of garlic, cayenne pepper and minced onion in a dilute soap-and-water solution will deter a number of garden pests.

• One of the simplest methods for removing aphids from plants is to use a strong stream of water from a hose and sprayer attachment to knock them off leaves.

• You can create your own aphid deterrent by using one tablespoon dishwashing liquid to a gallon of water. Spray the solution onto the leaves.

• Release lady bugs or praying mantis. Both of these insect species are beneficial to gardeners since they are predatory species and feed on other insects--including pest species.

Tips for Controlling Caterpillars

• Homemade garlic and pepper sprays protect against cabbageworms, caterpillars, horn worms, aphids and flea beetles. Use 6 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp dried hot pepper, 1 minced onion, 1 tsp pure soap and one gallon of hot water. Spray the solution onto the leaves.

• Release praying mantis.

Other Tips

• Other commercial products for controlling pests include insect netting and insecticidal soaps and oils

• Sprinkle ground hot pepper directly onto leaves to deter chewing pests.

• Know what bugs you're dealing with. When in doubt, take a leaf to a specialist. Check with your local nursery or agricultural extension.

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