Home & Garden Personal Safety & Security

How to Control Sweet Corn Pests Organically

    • 1). Control the corn earworm, Heliothis zea, organically by rubbing or spraying the tops of the corn cobs where the worm larvae eat the silk with corn or mineral oil to create a blockade that the larvae cannot pass. Do this about when the silk is about a week old. Cut off infected parts of the corn cob if the worms have moved to the kernels. Use other insects, such as lacewings or pirate insects, to kill the worms. Spray the crop with neem oil to kill the worms.

    • 2). Kill corn aphids by spraying them with a mixture of a gallon of water and 4 oz. of an extract made from hot peppers, wax, eucalyptus, garlic, onion and other spices. Be sure to spray everywhere the aphids are so the capsaicin from the peppers will get absorbed into the aphids' skin and kill them. Try a concentrated garlic solution mixed with water to form a barrier to protect the corn plants. Spray the plants so the garlic goes through the plants' pores and makes the plants unpalatable to the aphids.

    • 3). Use natural predators such as ladybugs, beetles or praying mantises to hunt and kill insects. Encourage birds to prey on insects by placing perches or birdhouses in or near the corn crop. Do not spray pesticides--they will kill off good insects as well as the bad ones.

    • 4). Get rid of the European corn borer caterpillars by pulling out and disposing of infected corn plants. Do not leave the pulled stalks to lie on the ground--the larvae or eggs will survive. Pick off individual borers by hand in very small corn gardens. Break open the stalk near any holes you see and pull the worm out. Buy ladybugs and release them into the cornfield to prey on the eggs.

    • 5). Spray only natural and organic pesticides on corn plants. Ask at your local gardening supply store which brands work best for the particular insect you need to kill. Several methods can be used in integrated pest management, or IPM, to kill problem insects and then prevent them from returning. Decide which method or method you need and be vigilant. Monitor the plants for signs of infestation.

SHARE
RELATED POSTS on "Home & Garden"
Energy-Saving Tips for Your Home
Energy-Saving Tips for Your Home
Using Video Surveillance System for Effective Monitoring
Using Video Surveillance System for Effective Monitoring
Facing Electrical Problems – Contact a Reliable San Diego Electrician
Facing Electrical Problems – Contact a Reliable San Diego Electrician
How to Get Rid of Black Stuff That Adheres to a Toilet Tank
How to Get Rid of Black Stuff That Adheres to a Toilet Tank
How to Build a Martial Arts Belt Display
How to Build a Martial Arts Belt Display
DIY Rodent Extermination
DIY Rodent Extermination
How to Remove Goo Gone Stains From Clothing
How to Remove Goo Gone Stains From Clothing
Universal Solar Products
Universal Solar Products
Reliable Attributes Of A Multi-functional Led Light Bar
Reliable Attributes Of A Multi-functional Led Light Bar
Types of Energy-Saving Light Bulbs
Types of Energy-Saving Light Bulbs
Components of an Intrusion Detection System
Components of an Intrusion Detection System
How to Light Soy Wickless Candles
How to Light Soy Wickless Candles
How to Kill Scorpions
How to Kill Scorpions
Tips To Keep Your Home Safe From Fire During The Holidays (and Year-round)
Tips To Keep Your Home Safe From Fire During The Holidays (and Year-round)
How to Kill a Rat in the Subfloor
How to Kill a Rat in the Subfloor
Wireless Gate Intercom - Why it is Best For Your Home and Business
Wireless Gate Intercom - Why it is Best For Your Home and Business
Choosing Right Fire Protection Can Prevent a Tragedy
Choosing Right Fire Protection Can Prevent a Tragedy
How to Compare Alarm System Monthly Service Fees
How to Compare Alarm System Monthly Service Fees
Learn How To Set Up Your Home Security Camera Equipment At Home
Learn How To Set Up Your Home Security Camera Equipment At Home
Protect Your Home With Reputable Wichita Locksmith Service
Protect Your Home With Reputable Wichita Locksmith Service
Homemade Natural Room Freshener
Homemade Natural Room Freshener

Leave Your Reply

*