Transplanting wild weeds into pots is a great way to stock tort food.
But the last time I did this, I must have picked a "contaminated" weed, that is now crawling with white little buggers that are quickly taking over my enclosure.....
What can I do that's lethal but organic?!
Here ara pics:
Try spraying the plants with a mixture of dish soap (such as Dawn) and water. Rinse the plants off a couple of days later. The soap clogs the breathing pores on the insect and they sufficate.
I found this topic very interesting it made some valid points
http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2004/se...rganic.htm
Then there are my favorites the Ladybugs and Praying Mantis
http://www.dirtworks.net/Nematodes-Garde...house.html
You can also spray them with a solution of fine clay and water which will also clog their pores. Or if you want completely organic you can hand pick each one-tedious but effective. These look like aphids to me and spread quite fast. If your plants are throughout your enclosure and not contained in pots it might be easier and safer for your torts just to get some ladybugs and let them go to town.
If your plants are outside ladybugs and lacewings would grow fat on these aphids. Do you have ladybugs and lacewings in Portugal?
Itort, I had some house plants once that were riddled with aphids and I got a few ladybugs and a couple of praying Manits and they cleared up the problem in no time. Then I simply placed them outside and they went on their merry way. But never thought they may not be in Portugal.
I said outside because many people have problems with insects in their home. I also invite and encourage the good bugs in the house but some don't.
Itort I totally understand thanks for the clarification.
I know I have a few friends that think if a bug gets inside it has to be sprayed and gotten rid of at all costs. I admit, I don't much like them inside either. But I just figure its better to get a few cute ladybugs, etc. rather than thousands of aphids. But then thats just me.
Just for reference on my feelings, as a child every summer I had a praying mantis living in my bedroom. Few flies though.
Thanks alot people.
I'm goint to try the dish soap and water mix.
For now, I've identified the "host pot" (the one pictured) and removed it from the enclosure.
Oh, and we do have lady bugs in portugal, but they're not as common as when I was a child. Not sure why...
Praying Mantis give the creeps...
Just for reference on my feelings, as a child every summer I had a praying mantis living in my bedroom. Few flies though.
O_o !!!!
I would never fall asleep.....