Pest/Bug Prevention?

Hey guys, first time grower here. Question about bug prevention outdoors... What do I use/how often if anything to prevent any kind of pest outbreak on my plants this season. Neem oil? Azamax? Thanks guys.

nature will do the trick for most except slugs and snails, budworms. seaweed keeps happy plants. neem oil is great if you get a problem but be carefull to apply on rainy overcast days

here's what a lot of growers use:

the mantis' will stay wherever they hatch and kill most anything that comes into their territory (bug-wise), and the ladybugs help to clean up the rest! neither will harm your plant(s) and it's all natural!

doowmd said:

here's what a lot of growers use:

Praying Mantis 2 Egg Cases 100 - 400 Babies
Sale: $4.99

And these:

Orcon LB-C1500 Live Ladybugs, Approximately 1,500 Count

• $19.99 $4.50
• In Stock
• More Buying Choices
• $4.50 new (2 offers)
• (267)

​

Click to expand...

I was debating doing this for awhile but did not no where Id get a praying mantis around here. Dont they take about a year to come around?

neem oil works great for most pests and for me mainly a fungus preventive. this is important when living in a really humid area. GL

Try not to spray too much on your plants as it may slow the growth rate by clogging the leaves. Inspect your plants daily and often (if possible), and use natural sprays (LIGHTLY! unless you have an infestation) and if possible, remove and kill pests with your fingers first. Use sprays only when needed! Use discretion, don't just go trigger happy - when you see insects then take action. I usually kill them manually, but if I see more then I may use spray. I rotate my sprays - I don't use the same kind of spray every time. It works better this way to keep buggers off.

I like this Amazon product - it helps keep the beneficial insects, but make sure it doesnt start attracting ant colonies:

http://www.amazon.com/Ladybug-Nectar-Attracts-Beneficial-Insects/dp/B008ROISUK/

you can follow the links in the post to order those bugs off amazon. neem oils messy shit btw.

Amazon.com and ebay both have praying mantis bugs available. Surely won't be too difficult to find local, brick and mortar.