How are you getting rid of the ticks and chiggers

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I want to open my blueberry u-pick next month and even with washing with my new soap (bug buster), wearing clothes that are covering me head to toe, I am getting ticks. If I spray I am no longer organic am I. I have never certified organic just been lucky, but I can't imagine people out there picking blueberries with the chiggers and ticks this year. I could kill the grass and mulch between the rolls - all of which is using chemicals but I don't see a choice at this point. any suggestions, I live in SE OK. Debbie by the way I gave the wrong email number because of other problems, not you guys. Thanks, again

-- debbie in ok (debbie@cwis.net), May 14, 2002

Answers

Hi Debbie, my recommendation is guinea hens. The are bug eaters and just love ticks. You will have to pen them up for a couple of weeks, and then let them out one at a time, until they are all out doing their Job. You can usually find them at the local livestock auction. Julie in Holdenville could probably explain better than I. I would love to come pick blueberries ticks and all. Also for chiggers try dipping rags in sulfur water and tying them around your arms and ankles. This can be very helpful. It might also help to use a sachet of pennyroyal. Also OFF has a new botanical insect repellent, I would give that a try.

Little Bit Farm

-- Little Bit farm (Bittlelitfarm@aol.com), May 14, 2002.


I use ceder shavings on row paths also.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), May 14, 2002.

I wouldn't be able to keep the birds alive with all the coyotes in the area. Pennroyal, didn't think of that or sulfur water. Now about the cedar chips, that would probably be like mulching between the rolls. The problem is is that there are 3 very long rolls, with very wide paths in them. So..that is a lot of mulch. I hate off but I guess I will try. Is anyone else having trouble with ticks this year, they seem horrible this year. Debbie

-- debbie in ok (debbie@cwis.net), May 14, 2002.

It may or may not be unusual but there's a greenhouse near here that has 4 guineas running around, and 1 of them, the leader will attack people if people don't keep moving. The coyotes there don't bother them.

-- Cindy (S.E.IN) (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), May 14, 2002.

debbie, There are on the market a few insecticdes that are a made of natural ingredients and are FDA approved for organic farm use. They also make wasp killer with it. Just read the labelling and you will fins what you are looking for. As I am not in the shed, I cannot give you the product name and it is not in my memory at the moment (sorry). I hope this not too specific post helps you, Regards,

-- jonathan (jonathan_sz@yahoo.com), May 14, 2002.


Thanks, what I think, (I am only thinking) what we'll do is mow so low it is down to earth. I have 6 feet between each roll, then lightly rotortill (sp) then pour mulch from the dump. So..in the end I will have mulch (pine)around the plants and then dump mulch which looks like cut up trees between the rolls. Don't you think that will cut down on the bugs? These plants look so good I hate to spray but on the otherhand people will leave my place with some nasty bites. Do you guys think the ticks and chiggers are worst this year? Debbie

-- debbie (bwolcott@cwis.net), May 15, 2002.

I am just trying these forums and don't have anything to say as I don't know what you are all talking about you know ?

-- patrick (pjavin@mybc.com), May 16, 2002.

Debbie - I agree ticks ( don't have chiggers) are bad. I have put the tick/flea deterrent on the dogs that you put on the neck and pour down the backbone, and I have tick collars on them as well, and one of the dog still had ticks on her head this morning.

I think it has been the mild winters here. Hasn't been cold enough to kill the creeps.

-- Granny Hen (cluckin along@cs.com), May 16, 2002.


I have found that washing with the addition of eucalyptus oil in the final rinse seems to inhibit ticks getting onto clothing and finding there way inside.

-- sandi (markandsandi@iprimus.com.au), June 02, 2002.

We have an infestation of ticks in the area behind our back yard. Our thought was to clear it this year, but we are "attack" by just going out in our backyard. Also, our pets--even with Advantage and Frontline--bring the little critters in the house and we are constantly going on tick hunts. I am also seeking an environmentally sound way of reducing--or eliminating--the problem. Does anyone have any suggestions because this is driving me "buggy". Your suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thanks, Linda

-- Lbair (lbair@ix.netcom.com), July 22, 2002.



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