Bugs in Aquaponics system?
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Question by Goldfinger001: Bugs in Aquaponics system?
I have an aquaponic system at my home. (Aquaponics and hydroponics are not the same thing, but very similar. Basically in aquaponics you are adding fish in the picture, the fish poop fertilizes the plants, and the plants clean the water for the fish.) Anyways, I am growing lettuce in my system, my lettuce is being eaten by insects. I did a little research and Dipel and Bontanigard eliminate worms and nats. Where I live we are going through a drought, we have 5 different kinds of roaches at my house. 4 of the 5 kinds have taken up residence in my lettuce, the roaches are everywhere. I heard neem oil will take care of them but if the oil gets on the lettuce, the plant wont taste good. Would Dipel and Bontanigard take care of the roaches ? Or are there other products I can try that will be safe for my system and myself?
What do you think? Answer below!
2 Responses to Bugs in Aquaponics system?
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would need to see what the setup actually looks like, but the Dipel is only going to effect caterpillar larvae and if you have been using the Bontaniguard and you still have roaches, then guess it won’t help.. Try the roach bait that is a gel form, comes in a large syringe. You are able to place it easily enough near sensitive areas (I have used it around large aquariums with success.). Might look into a small combact but powerful “mini vacuum” they make some for the pest control industry and you might be able to invidually rid the roaches from the plants.
Lar
December 16, 2011 at 8:44 pm
The problem is not taste. What you have to protect is the fish. Make sure that whatever you choose to use, it won’t harm or kill them. Remember most chemicals that will get rid of insects, will kill your fish.
Seing as how aquaponics is normally auto running band there is not a lot for you to do, why not spend some time picking/brushing of the insects and treading on them. you will get rid of the insects, save the fish and learn how to dance the watoozi at the same time
Bruce
December 16, 2011 at 8:46 pm