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RowdysMom · 05-20-2008, 04:56 PM

You need to use BT - Bacillus thuringiensis to control catepillers. It will only kill the catapillers, nothing else.

Bacillus thuringiensis

Here's the natural flea control.

I do not use chemicals on my babies, or in the yard, so this is what I do. I realize that some people have large yards or there may be other reasons that this won’t work for everyone, but here goes……

Beneficial nematodes are the answer to flea control in your yard. Read more about them here Beneficial Nematodes They are microscopic organisms that feed on a variety of soil insects and they will keep fleas, etc. out of your yard. If you have fleas in your yard, then you will never get them off your baby. Of course, if you live in an apartment, then this solution won’t work for you.

Also, that does not mean that your baby won't get a flea when they go on a walk or that a flea might crawl over into your yard from the neighbors yard. But that can be controlled by bathing your babies in Dawn dishwashing soap or some other non-toxic method. If there are no fleas in your yard, then you CAN win the battle.

The nematodes will also keep the fire ants out of your yard and that is a great benefit to those of us who live in the south. I have used the nematodes for about 8 years and have not had a flea problem in all that time. I have outdoor dogs living on both sides of my yard too. The nematodes work great! Prior to using nematodes, I did have an infestation in my house. Boric acid sprinkled in the carpet will take care of them - but you have to get control in the yard too.

You can usually get beneficial nematodes at any organic gardening store. They can also be ordered, but they must be kept cool or they will die, so if you order them, be sure the supplier plans to cool ship them. Also, follow the directions EXACTLY for putting them on the yard. They are best applied late in the evening and you have to water the yard before you put them on and then after you put them on - so you will be watering after dark in most cases. You will have to water your yard in the summer when it is very dry, enough so that the nematodes do not dry up and die - maybe once a week or so, if it is not raining. Even though they live down into the soil, they will dry up and die, if there is not enough rain and you don't water the yard.

I have outdoor dogs on both sides of my yard so I put diatamaceous earth around the perimeter of my yard to keep the fleas from crawling into my yard. It works great, but it must be reapplied after a heavy rain. It is also a non-toxic pest control substance. http://www.hydromall.com/happy_grower16.html I sprinkle it on my roses to control little pesky bugs who want to chew the leaves!!!

I know is sounds a little nutty, but it really works!
Good luck!

05-20-2008, 04:56 PM	#19
RowdysMom Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Central Texas Posts: 2,624	You need to use BT - Bacillus thuringiensis to control catepillers. It will only kill the catapillers, nothing else. Bacillus thuringiensis Here's the natural flea control. I do not use chemicals on my babies, or in the yard, so this is what I do. I realize that some people have large yards or there may be other reasons that this won’t work for everyone, but here goes…… Beneficial nematodes are the answer to flea control in your yard. Read more about them here Beneficial Nematodes They are microscopic organisms that feed on a variety of soil insects and they will keep fleas, etc. out of your yard. If you have fleas in your yard, then you will never get them off your baby. Of course, if you live in an apartment, then this solution won’t work for you. Also, that does not mean that your baby won't get a flea when they go on a walk or that a flea might crawl over into your yard from the neighbors yard. But that can be controlled by bathing your babies in Dawn dishwashing soap or some other non-toxic method. If there are no fleas in your yard, then you CAN win the battle. The nematodes will also keep the fire ants out of your yard and that is a great benefit to those of us who live in the south. I have used the nematodes for about 8 years and have not had a flea problem in all that time. I have outdoor dogs living on both sides of my yard too. The nematodes work great! Prior to using nematodes, I did have an infestation in my house. Boric acid sprinkled in the carpet will take care of them - but you have to get control in the yard too. You can usually get beneficial nematodes at any organic gardening store. They can also be ordered, but they must be kept cool or they will die, so if you order them, be sure the supplier plans to cool ship them. Also, follow the directions EXACTLY for putting them on the yard. They are best applied late in the evening and you have to water the yard before you put them on and then after you put them on - so you will be watering after dark in most cases. You will have to water your yard in the summer when it is very dry, enough so that the nematodes do not dry up and die - maybe once a week or so, if it is not raining. Even though they live down into the soil, they will dry up and die, if there is not enough rain and you don't water the yard. I have outdoor dogs on both sides of my yard so I put diatamaceous earth around the perimeter of my yard to keep the fleas from crawling into my yard. It works great, but it must be reapplied after a heavy rain. It is also a non-toxic pest control substance. http://www.hydromall.com/happy_grower16.html I sprinkle it on my roses to control little pesky bugs who want to chew the leaves!!! I know is sounds a little nutty, but it really works! Good luck! __________________ Rex & Rowdy's Mom