On 12 May 2003 09:21:41 -0700, Darryl Okahata
wrote:

On a related note, assuming the problem is not slugs, can anyone
recommend some minimally-harmful pesticides, probably for earwigs? I
planted some lettuce, basil, and pak choy, and all of the seedlings are
dying the death of 10,000 nibbles. Within a week or two, I don't think
I'll have any seedlings left. I'm guessing that the problem is earwigs,
as they seem to be pretty prevalent around here. I've tried neem, but
that doesn't seem to be working. Someone recommended a tuna can with
vegetable oil and soy sauce as a trap; does that actually work?


Sounds like it might attract cats!

How about covering the seedlings with floating row cover or
nylon net? You can make a 'cage' out of chicken wire, and
cover that with nylon net. Fiberglass window screening
would work also.

In the case of floating row cover, you can put it right on
the plants.

Unless the bugs come up from underneath (through the soil
under the plants), any of these should work.

Pat