| I NOTICE ALOT OF FLYS, YELLOW JACKETS, SMALL NETS AND SPIDERS THIS YEAR AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF MY HOUSE. WHAT CAN I USE TO SPARY OR PUT DOWN SO I CAN ENJOY MY PORCH WITHOUT BEING PESTERED BY THESE BUGS. SOMEONE TOLD ME TO USE A SOLUTION OF SOAPY WATER AND PUT ON MY SHRUBBS WILL THIS WORK? |
| It's really important to identify exactly what the insect is before attempting to spray something on them. You may do more harm than good. Also, many beneficial insects that keep pests at bay will be destroyed with "all-purpose" sprays. For example, spiders control many other insects. It's best to start with the easiest, most benign method first and if that doesn't work, move on from there. A soapy spray is an example of a benign control. However, is there a pest problem on your shrubs? Do you see damage? If not, there's no reason to spray them. The bugs you list aren't typically a pest of plants. Do a little more investigating. Are they attracted by something, e.g, the flies to food, for example. At some times of year and certain weather conditions, populations of various insects may rise, but as temperatures change, the populations decline. Sometimes, if you just wait awhile, they'll disappear on their own. If you can regularly monitor and tolerate some insects, over time Mother Nature strikes a balance, with the beneficials coming in to control the bad guys. Healthy vigorous plants will withstand insect attacks best, so keeping plants healthy is a big factor. |
