Protective cages made using Enviromesh
Control of caterpillars and Carrot Root Fly
Enviromesh:
This product (which is different from fleece) forms a physical barrier against butterflies such as “cabbage whites” and carrot root fly. It can be used to form a cage or tunnel-like structure over plants such as cabbages, purple sprouting broccoli, calabrese, cauliflower and carrots. It’s important to have the plants covered by the mesh as soon as they are planted out to prevent any eggs being laid. The mesh allows water and light through, provides a little protection against the worst of the elements and lasts for several years. Ensure it is secured to the ground all of the way around to prevent any butterflies from getting in. If the structure is built well enough it can be 100% effective against cabbage white butterflies.
Control of Moths attacking fruit trees
Tree Grease & grease bands:
These products help to protect your fruit trees from caterpillar damage from moths that have wingless, non-flying females such as winter moth, mottled umber moth and march moth. It works by the females getting stuck in the grease and therefore unable to climb the tree and cause damage. Place the bands or grease approx. 45cm (18’’) above the soil in October before the female adults emerge in November. Note that this does not work for codling moth which causes maggoty apples, as the females of these moths can fly.
Control of greenfly, blackfly, whitefly, thrips, caterpillars, flea beetles, capsid bugs, weevils, leafhoppers, and sawfly
Pyrethrum based sprays & powers:
Pyrethrum is a natural plant product that is produced by the pyrethrum daisy, Tanacetum cinerariifolium. Pyrethrum affects the central nervous systems of all types of flying and crawling insects, disrupting normal function, so that nervous impulses fail. It is effective against many garden pests, but bear in mind that it will also affect beneficial insects such as bees, as well as aquatic life if it gets into your pond. It has a low toxicity for mammals and birds and breaks down quickly, especially in sunlight, and is non-persistent in the environment. So think carefully: although it is naturally occurring and classed as organic, it will kill beneficial insects as well as garden pests at the time of application. However, compared to other chemical based pesticides, it breaks down so quickly that only the insects present at the time of application are affected, so perhaps think of it as a last resort.
Page written by Becky Groves Reviewed and compiled by Steve Head