Critters and Bugs

Randy Gornto University of Florida Livestock Agent, told us about critters most likely to interact with humans in our area.  He was a lively and entertaining speaker.  Who knew that a bird feeder that throws off squirrels could be so entertaining.  His lesson included how to attract the kinds of animals you want and ways to get rid of the ones you don't want.  The prime attractants are food, water, shelter and space.  A brush pile can provide shelter as can nesting boxes.  Randy also recommended leaving dead trees for birds that use nesting hollows.  He cautioned that trees should be left only if they are in no danger of falling on a person or building.  Of the four-footed critter variety, squirrels are the easiest to attract.  Unfortunately, while they are cute they can also be a nuisance.  Rabbits are the same.  They're cute when they play in your yard, but not so cute when they're eating your garden.  I think the rule here should be to consider the consequences before you provide an invitation.

If you have rabbits already munching on your
lettuce, Randy recommends an electric fence.  They are relatively inexpensive, easy to put up and take down and very effective.  Many chemical repellents are also available.  Feed and animal supply stores are good places to find them.  Always be cautious when using chemicals.  Protect your pets and yourself.

Birds and butterflies are creatures that many gardeners want to attract.  Not only are they beautiful some are pollinators and members of the garden pest control team.  Providing shelter, food, water and space for them is relatively easy.  A bird bath, bird feeder and nesting boxes or trees work for  birds, and food plants that they or their caterpillars eat will bring butterflies to your garden.  Here is a site with plants for Bird & Butterfly Gardens in Florida.

 Dee Dee Jacobson, our Master Gardener Coordinator gave us a good lesson on managing pests in our afternoon class.  Our homework was to find five bugs and identify them using a Dichotomous Key.  The response was fascinating with everything from a gorgeous swallowtail to beetles and ants.

 Mistaken identity is very common with gardeners killing beneficial insects as well as those that are harmful.  Our lesson included the information that only 1/10 of 1% of all insects in the world injure plants.  Still, if part of that 1/10 of 1% is destroying your best begonia, it's time to take action.  Dee Dee recommends horticultural oils for control unless a quick knock-down is needed.  In that case, malathion mixed with the oil is a good remedy.  Only spray late in the day or early in the morning and only when plants are not stressed by heat or lack of water.  Read and follow directions carefully as it's very easy to burn your plants with sprays intended to help them.