[Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page

[Dick Gross]

Bcc: vosg, azcrfg

Ken, I used to have herds of these critters in my compost and other places you mention. When I heard screaming and shreaking, I knew one had found its way in the house. I tried hooking a plow up to a pair but could not teach them the difference between gee and haw. They are really stupid. I had to shoot the team I was training after tearing up several rows of vegetables.

Frequent turning of your compost will discourage them from taking up residence and breeding there and will also cause mice to flee to a friendlier neighbors yard.

I've used diatomaceous earth to control cockaroaches. I purchased a hand held blower from a nursery. Its hopper held about a pint or so of powder that was propelled through a 3 inch tube about 3 feet long. The speed with which one cranks the blower controls the force propelling the dust that settles in a fine layer on everything. Best to do, I believe, early on a windless morning. The sharp edges of the crystals cut the insect's gut and they bleed to death. I eventually used up two 5 lb bags and haven't seen one of the varmints for over a year.

Do not breath the dust. Wear a mask while applying it.

The roaches gradually disappeared. They are, however, like the world terrorists and we have not, I regret, seen the last of them. I can't prove that diatomaceous earth did the trick but circumstancial evidence suggests it did. Geckos and birds abound in my garden. If the DE has affected their population, It it does not show at all and, if it has, they must find some other place to check out.

Your input is invited with new ideas or additionqal commentary, positive or negative.

Dick Gross, MGV
Maricopa County Cooperative Extension

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----- Original Message ----- 
From: <krgaston at msn.com>
To: <arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2006 2:43 PM
Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page


> Ken Gaston
> 85029
> krgaston at msn.com
> 
> How do I control large brown roaches out of doors? I have many in flower boxes (railroad ties) and under deck. We see them in the evening on fence, patio and deck.  I do not want to use poisons because I have lizards, geckos, birds and pets. 
> 
> Thanks!!
> 
> 
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