Category Archives: pest control

Chicken Hunter

Posted on July 24, 2013 by jkmcintyre

I have heard that chickens will attack and eat smaller vertebrates. Snakes most impressively, mice most commonly. We finally get to see how our chickens take care of their own vermin problems!

Posted in animal behaviour, chicken behaviour, chickens, pest control | Leave a comment

Ladybug Rescue

Posted on July 11, 2013 by jkmcintyre

We all know what ladybugs (aka lady beetles) look like. Many of us gardener types also know that they are voracious predators of aphids – fascinating little sap-sucking pests of tender young plants and fruit trees. This spring our Italian … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs, pest control, predators | 2 Comments

Keeping the Buzz Down

Posted on May 21, 2013 by jkmcintyre

I am talking about flies. Fat black flies that emerge from moist chicken poop. The first year we had chickens, they ranged freely throughout our yard. Their freely dropped pooplets bred flies. Flies are annoying. And in sufficient numbers, flies … Continue reading →

Posted in chickens, pest control | Tagged , | 4 Comments

The Lesser-Known Spotted Asparagus Beetle

Posted on October 9, 2012 by jkmcintyre

I have been growing asparagus for 4 years. As reported previously, I replanted in 2011 and the current crop is a model of healthy asparagusness. Eager for the first sustainably edible spears, I regularly inspect my plants; pull weeds, note … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs, pest control, update, vegetable garden | Tagged | 1 Comment