#naturalpestcontrol — Public Fediverse posts

My email to my neighbor, fellow community gardener, and selectboard member:

"Hi ____,

So, I was locked out of Facebook, so I can't communicate with the group. But if you could, please pass on my message...

On at least two occasions pretty recently, I found the gate open at the Community Garden. What I suspect happened is that the local deer saw that the gate was open and helped themselves to the pumpkins (judging by the tracks).

After getting a taste, I have a feeling that now they are jumping the fence, or somehow getting through the front gate (in between the wires).

I went around and set up white cloth tags soaked in coyote urine, and also sprayed all the wooden stakes. I'm not sure if those will be a deterrent, but I figured I'd try.

I think what needs to happen long term is more string "fences" need to be set-up on the inside of the fence, to help baffle the deer (3-D fencing). Or maybe some mesh fencing (which would be more expensive).

Anyhow, I'll plan on refreshing the tags if they work, and maybe someone could remind folks to make sure the fence is closed when they are done?

Thanks again for helping make this happen! And hopefully, we can keep the deer away from the remaining pumpkins (they were so cute)."

#SolarPunkSunday #CoyotePee #CoyoteUrine #DeerDeterrent #NatureBasedSolutions #NaturalPestControl #CommunityGardens #CommunityGarden #CommunityGardenAdventures

My email to my neighbor, fellow community gardener, and selectboard member:

"Hi ____,

So, I was locked out of Facebook, so I can't communicate with the group. But if you could, please pass on my message...

On at least two occasions pretty recently, I found the gate open at the Community Garden. What I suspect happened is that the local deer saw that the gate was open and helped themselves to the pumpkins (judging by the tracks).

After getting a taste, I have a feeling that now they are jumping the fence, or somehow getting through the front gate (in between the wires).

I went around and set up white cloth tags soaked in coyote urine, and also sprayed all the wooden stakes. I'm not sure if those will be a deterrent, but I figured I'd try.

I think what needs to happen long term is more string "fences" need to be set-up on the inside of the fence, to help baffle the deer (3-D fencing). Or maybe some mesh fencing (which would be more expensive).

Anyhow, I'll plan on refreshing the tags if they work, and maybe someone could remind folks to make sure the fence is closed when they are done?

Thanks again for helping make this happen! And hopefully, we can keep the deer away from the remaining pumpkins (they were so cute)."

#SolarPunkSunday #CoyotePee #CoyoteUrine #DeerDeterrent #NatureBasedSolutions #NaturalPestControl #CommunityGardens #CommunityGarden #CommunityGardenAdventures

My email to my neighbor, fellow community gardener, and selectboard member:

"Hi ____,

So, I was locked out of Facebook, so I can't communicate with the group. But if you could, please pass on my message...

On at least two occasions pretty recently, I found the gate open at the Community Garden. What I suspect happened is that the local deer saw that the gate was open and helped themselves to the pumpkins (judging by the tracks).

After getting a taste, I have a feeling that now they are jumping the fence, or somehow getting through the front gate (in between the wires).

I went around and set up white cloth tags soaked in coyote urine, and also sprayed all the wooden stakes. I'm not sure if those will be a deterrent, but I figured I'd try.

I think what needs to happen long term is more string "fences" need to be set-up on the inside of the fence, to help baffle the deer (3-D fencing). Or maybe some mesh fencing (which would be more expensive).

Anyhow, I'll plan on refreshing the tags if they work, and maybe someone could remind folks to make sure the fence is closed when they are done?

Thanks again for helping make this happen! And hopefully, we can keep the deer away from the remaining pumpkins (they were so cute)."

#SolarPunkSunday #CoyotePee #CoyoteUrine #DeerDeterrent #NatureBasedSolutions #NaturalPestControl #CommunityGardens #CommunityGarden #CommunityGardenAdventures

My email to my neighbor, fellow community gardener, and selectboard member:

"Hi ____,

So, I was locked out of Facebook, so I can't communicate with the group. But if you could, please pass on my message...

On at least two occasions pretty recently, I found the gate open at the Community Garden. What I suspect happened is that the local deer saw that the gate was open and helped themselves to the pumpkins (judging by the tracks).

After getting a taste, I have a feeling that now they are jumping the fence, or somehow getting through the front gate (in between the wires).

I went around and set up white cloth tags soaked in coyote urine, and also sprayed all the wooden stakes. I'm not sure if those will be a deterrent, but I figured I'd try.

I think what needs to happen long term is more string "fences" need to be set-up on the inside of the fence, to help baffle the deer (3-D fencing). Or maybe some mesh fencing (which would be more expensive).

Anyhow, I'll plan on refreshing the tags if they work, and maybe someone could remind folks to make sure the fence is closed when they are done?

Thanks again for helping make this happen! And hopefully, we can keep the deer away from the remaining pumpkins (they were so cute)."

#SolarPunkSunday #CoyotePee #CoyoteUrine #DeerDeterrent #NatureBasedSolutions #NaturalPestControl #CommunityGardens #CommunityGarden #CommunityGardenAdventures

My email to my neighbor, fellow community gardener, and selectboard member:

"Hi ____,

So, I was locked out of Facebook, so I can't communicate with the group. But if you could, please pass on my message...

On at least two occasions pretty recently, I found the gate open at the Community Garden. What I suspect happened is that the local deer saw that the gate was open and helped themselves to the pumpkins (judging by the tracks).

After getting a taste, I have a feeling that now they are jumping the fence, or somehow getting through the front gate (in between the wires).

I went around and set up white cloth tags soaked in coyote urine, and also sprayed all the wooden stakes. I'm not sure if those will be a deterrent, but I figured I'd try.

I think what needs to happen long term is more string "fences" need to be set-up on the inside of the fence, to help baffle the deer (3-D fencing). Or maybe some mesh fencing (which would be more expensive).

Anyhow, I'll plan on refreshing the tags if they work, and maybe someone could remind folks to make sure the fence is closed when they are done?

Thanks again for helping make this happen! And hopefully, we can keep the deer away from the remaining pumpkins (they were so cute)."

#SolarPunkSunday #CoyotePee #CoyoteUrine #DeerDeterrent #NatureBasedSolutions #NaturalPestControl #CommunityGardens #CommunityGarden #CommunityGardenAdventures

So, whether #Coyote pee will work as a #DeerDeterrent depends on whether the local coyotes hunt the local deer. Where I live, that is the case, so I'm going to try some fabric dunked in #CoyoteUrine and tied in strategic spots to see if that works against the #Deer in the #CommunityGarden . I think long-term, we need to put in a 3-D fence, which I'll post about in a bit. Judging by the tracks I saw in the pumpkin patch, it definitely looked like someone jumped over the fence (and the fence was a bit lower in one spot).

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Apply Coyote Urine

"Most people buy predator urine, apply it once in a few obvious spots, and then declare that it did not work. The product is not the problem. The application is.

"Coyote urine is a genuine, potent biological deterrent, but it only performs when it is placed correctly, at the right height, in the right zones, and refreshed on the right schedule. Once you understand how to apply coyote urine the way wildlife actually experiences it, the difference in results is significant.

Read Your Property for Animal Signs Before You Apply

Spraying randomly without knowing where animals are moving is the single biggest waste of product. Before you open a bottle, spend 10 to 15 minutes walking your property and reading the evidence wildlife has already left behind.

Signs that tell you where to focus:
● Tracks in soft soil, mud, or frost near fence lines, garden edges, and outbuildings.
● Worn paths or flattened grass indicate repeated travel routes.
● Scat near feeding areas, denning sites, or along walls.
● Digging, especially near turf edges, garden beds, or the base of structures.
● Chewed plant material, stripped bark, or disturbed mulch."

Learn more:
https://www.thepeemart.com/blogs/news/how-to-apply-coyote-urine

How Long Does Coyote Urine Last?

December 19, 2022

"Coyote Urine Usually Lasts For a Week Or Two

Urine degrades fairly quickly when outside, which is why coyotes frequently mark their territory with pee. It’s often inconvenient for us to spread urine outside every day, but it is important to do it frequently to keep the scent strong.

[...]

How Long is the Shelf-Life of Coyote Urine

If it’s stored in a sealed container away from heat and moisture, it can last for multiple years.

[...]

What Animals are Affected by Coyote Urine?

If you’re trying to ward off animals from visiting your yard, coyote urine can usually deter common coyote prey like rodents, raccoons, rabbits, and cats.

It can also deter white-tailed deer, which are occasionally preyed upon by coyotes. But it’s not a surefire way of getting rid of deer, who will munch on plants regardless of urine scent if they’re really hungry.

Results with deer also depend on if they are used to having coyotes around as predators. In some areas, coyotes have easier prey to catch and rarely go after deer. Deer in these areas will likely not be scared of coyote urine."

https://outdoorsmecca.com/how-long-does-coyote-urine-last/#how-long-is-the-shelflife-of-coyote-urine

#SolarPunkSunday #HomeGardens #PestControl #DeerControl #Rabbits #Gardening #GardenPests #CommunityGardens #PredatorUrine #PredatorPee #CoyotePee #NatureBasedSolutions #NaturalPestControl

So, whether #Coyote pee will work as a #DeerDeterrent depends on whether the local coyotes hunt the local deer. Where I live, that is the case, so I'm going to try some fabric dunked in #CoyoteUrine and tied in strategic spots to see if that works against the #Deer in the #CommunityGarden . I think long-term, we need to put in a 3-D fence, which I'll post about in a bit. Judging by the tracks I saw in the pumpkin patch, it definitely looked like someone jumped over the fence (and the fence was a bit lower in one spot).

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Apply Coyote Urine

"Most people buy predator urine, apply it once in a few obvious spots, and then declare that it did not work. The product is not the problem. The application is.

"Coyote urine is a genuine, potent biological deterrent, but it only performs when it is placed correctly, at the right height, in the right zones, and refreshed on the right schedule. Once you understand how to apply coyote urine the way wildlife actually experiences it, the difference in results is significant.

Read Your Property for Animal Signs Before You Apply

Spraying randomly without knowing where animals are moving is the single biggest waste of product. Before you open a bottle, spend 10 to 15 minutes walking your property and reading the evidence wildlife has already left behind.

Signs that tell you where to focus:
● Tracks in soft soil, mud, or frost near fence lines, garden edges, and outbuildings.
● Worn paths or flattened grass indicate repeated travel routes.
● Scat near feeding areas, denning sites, or along walls.
● Digging, especially near turf edges, garden beds, or the base of structures.
● Chewed plant material, stripped bark, or disturbed mulch."

Learn more:
https://www.thepeemart.com/blogs/news/how-to-apply-coyote-urine

How Long Does Coyote Urine Last?

December 19, 2022

"Coyote Urine Usually Lasts For a Week Or Two

Urine degrades fairly quickly when outside, which is why coyotes frequently mark their territory with pee. It’s often inconvenient for us to spread urine outside every day, but it is important to do it frequently to keep the scent strong.

[...]

How Long is the Shelf-Life of Coyote Urine

If it’s stored in a sealed container away from heat and moisture, it can last for multiple years.

[...]

What Animals are Affected by Coyote Urine?

If you’re trying to ward off animals from visiting your yard, coyote urine can usually deter common coyote prey like rodents, raccoons, rabbits, and cats.

It can also deter white-tailed deer, which are occasionally preyed upon by coyotes. But it’s not a surefire way of getting rid of deer, who will munch on plants regardless of urine scent if they’re really hungry.

Results with deer also depend on if they are used to having coyotes around as predators. In some areas, coyotes have easier prey to catch and rarely go after deer. Deer in these areas will likely not be scared of coyote urine."

https://outdoorsmecca.com/how-long-does-coyote-urine-last/#how-long-is-the-shelflife-of-coyote-urine

#SolarPunkSunday #HomeGardens #PestControl #DeerControl #Rabbits #Gardening #GardenPests #CommunityGardens #PredatorUrine #PredatorPee #CoyotePee #NatureBasedSolutions #NaturalPestControl

So, whether #Coyote pee will work as a #DeerDeterrent depends on whether the local coyotes hunt the local deer. Where I live, that is the case, so I'm going to try some fabric dunked in #CoyoteUrine and tied in strategic spots to see if that works against the #Deer in the #CommunityGarden . I think long-term, we need to put in a 3-D fence, which I'll post about in a bit. Judging by the tracks I saw in the pumpkin patch, it definitely looked like someone jumped over the fence (and the fence was a bit lower in one spot).

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Apply Coyote Urine

"Most people buy predator urine, apply it once in a few obvious spots, and then declare that it did not work. The product is not the problem. The application is.

"Coyote urine is a genuine, potent biological deterrent, but it only performs when it is placed correctly, at the right height, in the right zones, and refreshed on the right schedule. Once you understand how to apply coyote urine the way wildlife actually experiences it, the difference in results is significant.

Read Your Property for Animal Signs Before You Apply

Spraying randomly without knowing where animals are moving is the single biggest waste of product. Before you open a bottle, spend 10 to 15 minutes walking your property and reading the evidence wildlife has already left behind.

Signs that tell you where to focus:
● Tracks in soft soil, mud, or frost near fence lines, garden edges, and outbuildings.
● Worn paths or flattened grass indicate repeated travel routes.
● Scat near feeding areas, denning sites, or along walls.
● Digging, especially near turf edges, garden beds, or the base of structures.
● Chewed plant material, stripped bark, or disturbed mulch."

Learn more:
https://www.thepeemart.com/blogs/news/how-to-apply-coyote-urine

How Long Does Coyote Urine Last?

December 19, 2022

"Coyote Urine Usually Lasts For a Week Or Two

Urine degrades fairly quickly when outside, which is why coyotes frequently mark their territory with pee. It’s often inconvenient for us to spread urine outside every day, but it is important to do it frequently to keep the scent strong.

[...]

How Long is the Shelf-Life of Coyote Urine

If it’s stored in a sealed container away from heat and moisture, it can last for multiple years.

[...]

What Animals are Affected by Coyote Urine?

If you’re trying to ward off animals from visiting your yard, coyote urine can usually deter common coyote prey like rodents, raccoons, rabbits, and cats.

It can also deter white-tailed deer, which are occasionally preyed upon by coyotes. But it’s not a surefire way of getting rid of deer, who will munch on plants regardless of urine scent if they’re really hungry.

Results with deer also depend on if they are used to having coyotes around as predators. In some areas, coyotes have easier prey to catch and rarely go after deer. Deer in these areas will likely not be scared of coyote urine."

https://outdoorsmecca.com/how-long-does-coyote-urine-last/#how-long-is-the-shelflife-of-coyote-urine

#SolarPunkSunday #HomeGardens #PestControl #DeerControl #Rabbits #Gardening #GardenPests #CommunityGardens #PredatorUrine #PredatorPee #CoyotePee #NatureBasedSolutions #NaturalPestControl

So, whether #Coyote pee will work as a #DeerDeterrent depends on whether the local coyotes hunt the local deer. Where I live, that is the case, so I'm going to try some fabric dunked in #CoyoteUrine and tied in strategic spots to see if that works against the #Deer in the #CommunityGarden . I think long-term, we need to put in a 3-D fence, which I'll post about in a bit. Judging by the tracks I saw in the pumpkin patch, it definitely looked like someone jumped over the fence (and the fence was a bit lower in one spot).

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Apply Coyote Urine

"Most people buy predator urine, apply it once in a few obvious spots, and then declare that it did not work. The product is not the problem. The application is.

"Coyote urine is a genuine, potent biological deterrent, but it only performs when it is placed correctly, at the right height, in the right zones, and refreshed on the right schedule. Once you understand how to apply coyote urine the way wildlife actually experiences it, the difference in results is significant.

Read Your Property for Animal Signs Before You Apply

Spraying randomly without knowing where animals are moving is the single biggest waste of product. Before you open a bottle, spend 10 to 15 minutes walking your property and reading the evidence wildlife has already left behind.

Signs that tell you where to focus:
● Tracks in soft soil, mud, or frost near fence lines, garden edges, and outbuildings.
● Worn paths or flattened grass indicate repeated travel routes.
● Scat near feeding areas, denning sites, or along walls.
● Digging, especially near turf edges, garden beds, or the base of structures.
● Chewed plant material, stripped bark, or disturbed mulch."

Learn more:
https://www.thepeemart.com/blogs/news/how-to-apply-coyote-urine

How Long Does Coyote Urine Last?

December 19, 2022

"Coyote Urine Usually Lasts For a Week Or Two

Urine degrades fairly quickly when outside, which is why coyotes frequently mark their territory with pee. It’s often inconvenient for us to spread urine outside every day, but it is important to do it frequently to keep the scent strong.

[...]

How Long is the Shelf-Life of Coyote Urine

If it’s stored in a sealed container away from heat and moisture, it can last for multiple years.

[...]

What Animals are Affected by Coyote Urine?

If you’re trying to ward off animals from visiting your yard, coyote urine can usually deter common coyote prey like rodents, raccoons, rabbits, and cats.

It can also deter white-tailed deer, which are occasionally preyed upon by coyotes. But it’s not a surefire way of getting rid of deer, who will munch on plants regardless of urine scent if they’re really hungry.

Results with deer also depend on if they are used to having coyotes around as predators. In some areas, coyotes have easier prey to catch and rarely go after deer. Deer in these areas will likely not be scared of coyote urine."

https://outdoorsmecca.com/how-long-does-coyote-urine-last/#how-long-is-the-shelflife-of-coyote-urine

#SolarPunkSunday #HomeGardens #PestControl #DeerControl #Rabbits #Gardening #GardenPests #CommunityGardens #PredatorUrine #PredatorPee #CoyotePee #NatureBasedSolutions #NaturalPestControl

So, whether #Coyote pee will work as a #DeerDeterrent depends on whether the local coyotes hunt the local deer. Where I live, that is the case, so I'm going to try some fabric dunked in #CoyoteUrine and tied in strategic spots to see if that works against the #Deer in the #CommunityGarden . I think long-term, we need to put in a 3-D fence, which I'll post about in a bit. Judging by the tracks I saw in the pumpkin patch, it definitely looked like someone jumped over the fence (and the fence was a bit lower in one spot).

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Apply Coyote Urine

"Most people buy predator urine, apply it once in a few obvious spots, and then declare that it did not work. The product is not the problem. The application is.

"Coyote urine is a genuine, potent biological deterrent, but it only performs when it is placed correctly, at the right height, in the right zones, and refreshed on the right schedule. Once you understand how to apply coyote urine the way wildlife actually experiences it, the difference in results is significant.

Read Your Property for Animal Signs Before You Apply

Spraying randomly without knowing where animals are moving is the single biggest waste of product. Before you open a bottle, spend 10 to 15 minutes walking your property and reading the evidence wildlife has already left behind.

Signs that tell you where to focus:
● Tracks in soft soil, mud, or frost near fence lines, garden edges, and outbuildings.
● Worn paths or flattened grass indicate repeated travel routes.
● Scat near feeding areas, denning sites, or along walls.
● Digging, especially near turf edges, garden beds, or the base of structures.
● Chewed plant material, stripped bark, or disturbed mulch."

Learn more:
https://www.thepeemart.com/blogs/news/how-to-apply-coyote-urine

How Long Does Coyote Urine Last?

December 19, 2022

"Coyote Urine Usually Lasts For a Week Or Two

Urine degrades fairly quickly when outside, which is why coyotes frequently mark their territory with pee. It’s often inconvenient for us to spread urine outside every day, but it is important to do it frequently to keep the scent strong.

[...]

How Long is the Shelf-Life of Coyote Urine

If it’s stored in a sealed container away from heat and moisture, it can last for multiple years.

[...]

What Animals are Affected by Coyote Urine?

If you’re trying to ward off animals from visiting your yard, coyote urine can usually deter common coyote prey like rodents, raccoons, rabbits, and cats.

It can also deter white-tailed deer, which are occasionally preyed upon by coyotes. But it’s not a surefire way of getting rid of deer, who will munch on plants regardless of urine scent if they’re really hungry.

Results with deer also depend on if they are used to having coyotes around as predators. In some areas, coyotes have easier prey to catch and rarely go after deer. Deer in these areas will likely not be scared of coyote urine."

https://outdoorsmecca.com/how-long-does-coyote-urine-last/#how-long-is-the-shelflife-of-coyote-urine

#SolarPunkSunday #HomeGardens #PestControl #DeerControl #Rabbits #Gardening #GardenPests #CommunityGardens #PredatorUrine #PredatorPee #CoyotePee #NatureBasedSolutions #NaturalPestControl

In #Guatemala, #Indigenous women build #ClimateResilience with old and new farming methods

#AncestralKnowledge combined with #climatesmart techniques is boosting #FoodSecurity and increasing family incomes in the #LakeAtitlán region

Adam Wentworth, July 2, 2026

Excerpt: "The impacts of #ClimateChange on Indigenous communities can often lead to further #environmental damage as farmers are forced to rely on unsustainable practices, such as cutting down trees to clear more land. This can accelerate water scarcity, soil erosion and ultimately food insecurity.

"An ongoing adaptation project led by Natün has sought to reverse these impacts, working with local people to combine modern climate-smart agriculture and ancestral knowledge. The approach involves the use of #DroughtResistant crops, organic pest management and #SoilConservation techniques. This is increasingly recognised as an effective way to strengthen climate resilience.

" 'Our approach is based on soil analysis and the use of locally resilient, endemic tree species, significantly increasing survival rates and ensuring sustainable water availability despite changing rainfall patterns,' Wason explained."

Read more:
https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/07/02/in-guatemala-indigenous-women-build-climate-resilience-with-old-and-new-farming-methods/

#SolarPunkSunday #NaturalPestControl #ClimateChangeGardening #SoilHealth #IndigenousKnowledge #TEK #Stewardship #OrganicFarming #Mayan #NewTechnology #NahualateRiverBasin #AgriculturalResilience #TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge

I just came across this article here. Wow! Definitely going to give this method a try!

How to build a #mosquito kill bucket

Setting up a #LarvaTrap at home is an effective #MosquitoControl method.

by Debbie Wolfe
Published Jun 18, 2024

Materials

- Container: A five-gallon bucket or a similar-sized container
- Water: Preferably from a rain barrel to avoid chlorinated water
- Organic Material: Straw, hay, or even grass clippings to attract mosquitoes
- Mosquito Dunk: Contains Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bt-i), a bacterium harmful only to mosquito larvae

Directions

Prepare the container
Place the bucket in a sunny spot to keep it warm, accelerating the fermentation process.

Add organic material
Add a handful of organic matter, like leaves, grass clippings or hay to the bucket. This organic material begins to ferment, producing a scent that attracts female mosquitoes.

Add Water
Fill the bucket with water. If using tap water, let it sit for 24-48 hours to allow chlorine to evaporate, or use rainwater.

Let it ferment
Allow the mixture to sit for a few days until it starts to ferment, creating an irresistible breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Add Mosquito Dunk
Once mosquitoes have laid their eggs in the water, add a Mosquito Dunk to the mix. The Bt-i in the dunk will kill the mosquito larvae but leave other insects unharmed.

Place in a shady area
The bucket should be placed in a shady area, or any area where there are frequent issues with mosquitoes.

Maintenance
Regularly check the trap and add fresh water as needed to maintain the level. Replace the dunk every 30 days or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Optional enhancements

Covering: To prevent pets or wildlife from drinking from the mosquito kill bucket, cover it with chicken wire or a similar mesh.
Camouflage: If the bucket’s appearance is a concern, consider using a decorative cover or placing it discreetly under bushes.

Source:
https://www.popsci.com/diy/how-to-build-a-mosquito-kill-bucket/

#SolarPunkSunday #NaturalPesticides #NaturalPestControl #MosquitoControl #BtDunks

#MDACF - What #Mainers are Asking About #JumpingWorms

February 25, 2026

'Following a recent two-day jumping worm workshop hosted by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), it is clear that jumping worms are a top concern for #Maine #gardeners and land managers. This event brought together a knowledgeable lineup of leading researchers from across North America to share the latest science and management strategies.

While the first established populations in the state were discovered as recently as 2014, these invasive pests are now considered widespread and have been confirmed in 13 of Maine's 16 counties. With hundreds of questions submitted by workshop registrants, several key themes emerged regarding how to identify, manage, and prevent the spread of these invasive worms.

Identification: "Is this a jumping worm?"

Many Mainers are concerned about distinguishing jumping worms from other species of earthworms.

- Monitor with a Mustard Drench: To see if jumping worms are present at your location, mix 1/3 cup of ground mustard with a gallon of water and pour it directly on the soil (in a forested setting, brush away leaf litter first); this irritates the worms and brings them to the surface for identification.
- The Timing: Because they are annuals (having a lifespan of only one year), juveniles appear in May and June and are very small and hard to identify. It is best to wait until late July or August to confirm their identity once they develop their distinctive collar.
- The Look: Look for a milky white or gray collar (clitellum) that is smooth, flat, and completely encircles the body like a ring. In contrast, European earthworms have a raised, saddle-shaped clitellum that only goes partway around.
- The Behavior: Jumping worms do not crawl like typical earthworms; they thrash vigorously and wriggle like snakes when touched.

Spread & Prevention: "How do I stop them?"

The most common way jumping worms move is through human activity, particularly the movement of soil, compost, mulch, and nursery plants.

- The "Hidden" Threat: The worms themselves die each winter, but they leave behind tiny, soil-colored cocoons that are nearly impossible to see.
- Arrive Clean, Leave Clean: Cocoons can hitchhike in the treads of #HikingBoots and #tires. Using boot brushes at trailheads and cleaning tools before moving between garden beds is essential.
- Plant Sales & Nursery Stock: When possible, choose bare-root plants and rinse the roots into a bucket to ensure no cocoons are hiding in the root ball.
- Contain and Return: Always dump the wash water and mud back onto the original site where you collected the plants or soil; this ensures you aren't accidentally moving "hitchhiking" cocoons to a new, uninfested area. If you need to dispose of the material, wash your gear over a bucket to capture the sediment, let the soil settle before pouring off the water, and once the remaining mud dries, bag and #solarize it (heating it to at least 104F) before putting it in the trash.

Things you can do right now:

- #Solarization: In Maine, this works best in the peak of summer when the sun is strongest. Spread a thin layer of infested soil, about 6-8 inches deep, onto a #DarkTarp and cover it with a clear drop cloth, sealing the edges to create a "package." Place a simple soil thermometer in the center to track temperature. Research suggests reaching 104F for at least two hours can kill the worms and egg-containing cocoons. If you don't have a soil thermometer, plan to leave the covered soil in full sun for at least three days. On clear, hot summer days, a thin layer will often reach target temperatures within one to two days, but the extra time helps ensure consistent heating throughout the pile and improves your chances of success.
- Hand Removal: For small populations, you can hand-pick worms and drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them."

Learn more:
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/about/news/news.shtml?id=13343933

#SolarPunkSunday #Gardening #MaineGardens #Compost #NaturalPestControl #NaturalPestSolutions #InvasiveSpecies #InvasiveSpeciesWeek
#MaineDepartmentOfAgricultureConservationAndForestry

So, since we had a really dry summer last year, I'm collecting water in rain barrels to water the garden and conserve our well-water. However, as I discovered recently, rain barrels can be places where mosquitoes can breed. So I put a thin layer of old olive oil (leftover from soap making) on top. I checked on both rain barrels today -- no #mosquitoes!

"Rain Barrels and Mosquito Pests

While using a rain barrel in the garden is great for water conservation among its other benefits, mosquitoes are a constant threat, as they carry life-threatening diseases. Learning how to control mosquitoes in a rain barrel is just as important to controlling them anywhere else, especially since the pests take advantage of standing water to help carry out their life cycle. Here are some things you can do to minimize their presence:

- Dish soap– Liquid dish soap creates a slick film on the surface of the water. When mosquitoes attempt to land, they drown before they have time to lay eggs. Use natural soap and avoid products with perfume or degreasers, especially if you water your plants with rain water. One or two tablespoons of liquid soap per week is plenty for most rain barrels.

- Mosquito dunks– Also known as mosquito donuts, mosquito dunks are round cakes of Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), a naturally occurring bacteria that provides mosquito control in rain barrels as it slowly dissolves. However, it is safe for beneficial insects. Be sure the product label indicates the dunks are formulated for ponds because other types, which kill caterpillars, aren’t effective in water. Replace the dunks as needed. Check them after a hard rain.

- Vegetable oil– Oil floats on the surface of the water. If mosquitoes attempt to land, they suffocate in the oil. Use about a quarter cup of oil per week. You can use any type of oil, including olive oil. Horticultural oil or dormant oil are also effective for preventing mosquitoes in rain barrels."

Read more at Gardening Know How: Mosquito Control In Rain Barrels: How To Control Mosquitoes In A Rain Barrel https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/mosquito-control-in-rain-barrels.htm

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