Insects and diseases

— Crickets and spiders begin migrating indoors with the onset of cool weather. To prevent damage, spray with a general insecticide around the foundation of your house, paying particular attention to doorways and windows.

Garden spiders have formed large, showy webs. While some people are afraid of spiders, the insects are beneficial in the garden, eating many bad bugs. So move them out of doorways and leave them alone - they don’t hurt your plants.

Another insect that migrates with cool weather is the Asian ladybug beetle. Ladybugs are looking for a protected spot to survive the winter. Unfortunately, your mailbox,garage or house may be the perfect place. They can congregate in unbelievably large numbers. Because ladybugs have chewing mouth parts, they can lightly bite if you are handling them, but they are not painful and usually don’t cause a reaction. But they do give off a foul smell when killed. You can vacuum them up and release them outside, but make sure you seal cracks or crevices around windows or doorways so they can’t get back in.

If you have had insect and disease damage in your garden, practice good sanitation this fall. Rake up fallen leaves and dispose of diseased plant debris.

Once all the leaves are off fruit trees, apply a dormant oil to the trees and shrubs to help start next season clean.

HomeStyle, Pages 44 on 10/23/2010

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