Busy Busy

So the cats had their first appointment and they are both turning out to be a handful at home now. I am training them not to jump on counters and also dealing with springtime issues. Our indoor herb garden is on it's last legs thanks to an infestation of bugs. Not really a bug person, but they were either spittlebugs or aphids. I am thinking more on the side of spittlebugs because they had the little spit nests to protect themselves, but they were green so it confuses me. Anyway, because I am crafty I will share my tips on dealing with such an infestation.

First you have to know what you are dealing with: I did not know I was dealing with an infestation, and in fact though I was simply dealing with the two that I saw on the plant. I killed them, only to find out that killing them was not really going to help the problem. Apparently a couple months ago it was brought to my attention that there was an issue, but I ignored it. Apparently this bug lays eggs on the bottom side of the leaves, which coincidentally look a lot like seeds, which is what I thought they were till they hatched yesterday, and I got creeped out by legs. Anyway, I had no clue I was dealing with an infestation, so it would be good to evaluate the problem. Few bugs on the plant mean you can treat it with a few sprays of lightly soaped water (water mixed with one or two drops of dish detergent) twice a day for a week, the large one I ended up having means surgery for the poor plant.

Second part to the large infestation is surgery: Place the entire plant into a sink or tub. Grab a spray bottle of the lightly soaped water, and some paper towels. Inspect the leaves and find out which ones have bugs or eggs on them. From here you have to spray each leaf individually with the soapy water and wipe clean with the paper towel, removing all bugs. Once you are done with all the leaves, water the plant, and spray the soil, and the plant with the soapy water. You then have to spray the plant daily, leaves and stems to make sure none of the bugs are living in the soil. Don't soak the plant in soap as it can kill the plant, but ensure that the plant is coated to ensure no bugs. Also if you are more worried about killing your plant, use less soap, and add a clove of crushed garlic to the water and shake well. Apparently garlic is a deterrent, and since it is natural it won't kill your herbs! Make sure you kill all the bugs on the paper towels as well, or dispose of it properly.

This should allow you to use your herbs without fear, but I would still wash them well before use. There will still be a soapy residue, and it's not exactly the best taste.

So that was my life the past couple days, and despite the cats trying to eat lucky bamboo (which is poisonous to them) they have been very charming. I am enjoying having the little guys around, but would be happy if they grew out of the "attacking my feet" phase.