How to get rid of pesty bugs

Any gardener knows that pesky bugs can be their number one foe. There are, however, some remedies that can help you keep those pests at bay. Slugs and snails can be beat by creating a protective copper barrier around your precious plants, pots and trees if wrapped around them. You can also bait them by using fresh grapefruit, melon rinds, empty milk cartons or flowerpots. An effective homemade remedy against Japanese beetles is made by blending larkspur or delphinium leaves, adding water and then spraying the mixture onto your plants. Another amazing homemade remedy is red pepper powder. You mix six drops of liquid soap in a gallon of water and add 2 tablespoons of red pepper powder. This mixture can be applied using a spray bottle, shaken well, on the tops and bottoms of leaves to protect plants, especially members of the cabbage family. One of the most effective treatments is an herbal brew. You take potent scented herbs such as rosemary, basil and mint and crush them slightly before putting them into a large glass jar filled with water. Wait overnight for this herbal tea to steep, then strain and add 1/8 teaspoon of liquid before putting into a spray bottle. All of these tips are easy ways you can fight those pesky insects that threaten your thriving garden.