Applying beneficial nematodes every 6 weeks or so will drastically cut down on your chiggers, fleas, ticks, and other soil borne pests (like roaches, cut worms, grubs, etc).

Now, if I could just find something to eliminate the mosquitos!!

Here is a link that might be useful: The Haphazard Gardener

Question about beneficial nematodes ... I also have marigolds planted throughout the garden and know these are good for nematode suppression. If I apply beneficial nematodes, will the marigolds also suppress the beneficials ?

Let me know if you find anything to control mosquitoes. They seem to love hanging out around my garden and attack as soon as I step foot towards that direction !

"Now, if I could just find something to eliminate the mosquitos!!"
Bats? I really don't know the situation in DFW, but building a bat house for a local species of bat could quickly deal with your mosquito problem.

Along with all the normal "don't leave standing water for mosquito larva" methods.

Marigolds deter bad nematodes, not good ones. The beneficial nematodes will be good for all your soil and plants. The marigolds won't bother the beneficials.

Stephanie

What are menatodes? And how do I get them?

Ok-lowraine, I promise I am only teasing a little;) But, when you transposed the "m" and "n" on nematodes, my mind made a mental picture of an angry toad-very cute.

I am actually just learning about them myself, but I found a ton of info on a google search about the little devils.

Thanks for letting me tease - a little;)

g

Never too old to learn are we? I guess it is time for me to google as well. I watered my garden and tied my cabbage and yes I have three new chiggers (at last count). Ain't life fun.

gabby, the count came in at nine.

Lowraine, I am feeling for ya!! Those chiggers sound downright evil!! Biting little buggers!! I hope you can get rid of them. Mite larvae right, I looked them up. I can't believe how yucky they are.

Sounds like drowning them might be the only way. The sight I saw said to drown them in soapy water a couple times a week, and they may not come back. Worth a try I guess.

Good Luck!!

g

I've found that Tea Tree Oil is the answer for mosquito bites, ant bites, and chigger bites. Just dab it on with a q-tip and the itchiness and stinging are gone in a few minutes. The raised welt goes away soon after, too. You can find it in the vitamins/supplement section of the store.

Thanks for the suggestions, green tea oil and soapy water. I will try both.

I am ready to attack the chiggers with soapy water. Can someone give me a formula for a gallon sprayer and soap? Also, do I spray the top as well as the underside of the plants. I know for a fact that they live on the edging of the garden sections.

Hey Lowraine: I found a great list of natural recipes here on GW. The link is below.

Here is another place to try: it looked very interesting.
http://www.pallasathenesoap.com/puresoap/insect.pdf

Good Luck!!

g

Here is a link that might be useful: GW organic recipes for insecticides and fungicides

Thanks