Pests on the Allotment and in the Poly-tunnel

Dealing with pests on the allotment

I have been somewhat concerned lately about a very persistent and very destructive red-ant nest in my poly-tunnel. Normally, I prefer to live-and-let-live. I have known about these ants in my tunnel since it was first erected and I was aware that the odd early potato failed to grow as the ants had moved into its ridge to make their home. This year, however, they really have become quite destructive. Of the 16 potatoes I planted, 3 have failed because of the ants’ nest in that area. Worse still, plants I was growing in pots for our Community Garden project to sell have been invaded by the ants, where they have even set up a crèche for their babies ! the cheek! have keeled over and died – very quickly.

Something more permanent had to be done.

Now, last year I had bought a garden insect killer which I understand is acceptable for organic growers as it uses natural pyrethrins, called Py. I am open to contradiction on this. [I had been informed that this compound had replaced Derris, now, no longer available.] Care must be taken near water as it is toxic to aquatic organisms and can be harmful to bees. The carton says that it kills ants but, only on contact. Yes, it does kill ants on contact and while I regret having to do it, I hope I will have no more problems with them.

Last year, at this time I was stressing about asparagus beetle. My asparagus is a particularly early variety and, this year, I have been eating it since late March. This is the first year I have been able to eat it. It has now been on my plot for three years – the time recommended to allow the crowns to establish. I have even had enough to give bundles away to friends. As I am eating it instead of allowing the spears to grow into ferns, I have not had to worry about the dreaded beetle..... yet!

Over winter, I have disturbed the ground around the plants as much as I’ve dared in the hope of exposing the adults to frost. I’ve also ensured there have been no weeds or debris around the plants where the adults might hide to overwinter. But, really I know, this is not enough. As soon as I stop harvesting and allow the ferns to grow up, the beetles will be there. The beetles themselves don’t do any harm to the plants but, they lay eggs which hatch into nasty little larvae. Those are the creatures which will devastate your plants. Unfortunately, if left to do their thing, you will have no crop next year.

Start early on the beetles themselves... pick them off and squash them. If you can see the eggs [they are only about a millimetre long] squash those too. You will always miss some which will hatch. Squash the larvae. If you can, check and do it daily. I really recommend wearing rubber or nitrile gloves !

Now the really spectacularly magic cure-all is SB Plant Invigorator [ and here you will think I have shares in the company – I don’t!]. It is non-toxic [you can eat plants you spray it on within a few hours – do read the instructions!], environmentally friendly, biodegradeable. It also acts as a pesticide, mildewcide and a foliar nutrient – I quote the blurb here.

It is, unfortunately, only available on-line [do check different sources for the best prices and think of the postage costs].

I have used this stuff for the last two years in my poly-tunnel and outdoors. Anyone, who has ever had a red-spider-mite problem will know how very difficult it is to control or eradicate. To my surprise SB Plant Invigorator succeeded. It did require spraying every-other day for several weeks [ the regular misting of the plants might also have contributed to its success].

Over the last few years I have had an overwhelming problem with whitefly on my brassicas. I can’t claim that the product removed the problem entirely but, certainly the fly problem was much reduced and the plants were amazingly healthy and strong.

Of course, slugs and snails are a perennial problem though, as I continue to till my ground, I find that the damage they cause is greatly reduced. I usually only use slug pellets on my seed beds, my poly-tunnel and around newly planted out brassicas – but, I do hate it when I bring home strong healthy heads of cauliflower to find them full of slugs.

Many of my plot neighbours use beer traps for slugs and snails and even brew their own beer for this purpose [it is so much cheaper]. In my garden at home I have not found this even slightly effective – loads of slug damage on my plants but, no slugs in the beer traps. However, I might try it again on my plot this year – more later!

Of course, at home the pests can be slightly different. I am surprised that any self respecting rat or mouse would come within a mile of my house, there are so many cats in this area and I have four of them. Not that three of my cats would pose any kind of threat to any creature. Being male they are too lazy and have no hunting skills. However, my very beautiful queen - Missy - makes up for all of them. She is a killer par excellence! This morning, while it was still murky, as I walked into my sitting-room, I stepped on somthing squishy! Closer inspection disclosed a large gutted dead mouse [perhaps a small rat - I didn't inspect it too closely]. It's mate was lying not too far away.

More on pests and problems later!