Have you tried soapy water?
Mix 1tsp of mild dish detergent with 1L of water in a spray bottle.
Also the brand Safer's makes natural insecticidal soap.

If you search here at the GW and google if Rotenone is organic, you'll get two sides of the coin, that is something you'll have to decide on your own ;)

Sharon

Thank you for being so faithful in answering my questions, Sharon (^:

I kinda assumed soap wouldn't deter them if all the sites I was at recomended such harsh chemicals. I will try it though and keep my eyes open for Safer's. I tend not to buy insecticides because I'm not familiar with the brands and I'm a wee bit skeptical of labels that say 'natural or organic'. I'll try soap first. Are certain soaps more potent or more effective than others?

I see what you mean about Rotenone. Just because it's natural doesn't mean its safe! The lesser of two evils if it comes to it I spose.

I'll post my results. Thanks again, Toots

YouÂre welcome Toots! Traditional, pure soaps are made from fatty acids obtained from animal fats or plant oils. In insecticidal soaps such as SaferÂs, certain types of fatty acids have been selected and concentrated in order to increase effectiveness of the soap and to minimize adverse effects on plants; otherwise these soaps are no different from traditional, pure mild soaps and they are safe to use.
Ivory Liquid Dish Soap is pure, mild and gentle, whatever, donÂt use extra strength, grease-cutting, or anti-bacterial soap, these kinds have added chemicals and may do more harm to your plants.
Just be aware that although homemade remedy soap solutions or brand name insecticidal soaps say that they are organic/ natural and safe to use, they will only work on contact and sometimes the good beneficial bugs can get in the way. Don't go nuts and spray your whole garden, go to only those plants that are in desire need and spot spray making sure to get under the leaves as well.
Sharon

That gives me more of an idea, thanks a bunch. I do worry about losing my good bugs. I have a good population of lady bugs and beetles (probabaly because I've got a healthy population of bad little bugs, too!)

I haven't been able to use the soap yet, but I'm heading out this eve to try it. I even have some Ivory in the cupboard. I think the TPB have slowed down these last few days (not gone though) but if I recall from last season: They'll be back...with a vengence!

Toots :^)