Quit bugging my tomatoes

With the upcoming warm weather insects will become a problem on tomatoes. Early detection is the key to controlling insect problems before they get out of hand. Get a magnifying glass and look over your tomato leaves top and bottom; be vigilante and do an inspection of all your veggies and herbs at least once a week.

Here are some common tomato pests:

Aphids (Aphidae): Adults and nymphs are tiny, pear shaped, sucking insects 1/16 to 3/8 of an inch. Colors vary by species; pale green, and pink are most common on tomatoes but yellow, powdery gray, olive green and black aphids are also out there. Females are born pregnant and populations spread rapidly! Aphids are usually found on the undersides of leaves or on the tips. The aphid sucks plant sap causing distorted leaves and shoots and may cause flower drop. This pest can secrete a sticky substance called honeydew. Certain species can transmit plant diseases.

Spider Mites (Tetranychidae): Adults are hard to see, 1/75 to 1/50 of an inch long with eight legs and fine body hairs. The two-spotted spider mite is pale green with a dark batch on each side, nymphs look slightly paler with less legs. Eggs are super small, transparent and round. Spider mites pierce leaf cells and feed on juices usually on the underside of the leaf. Damaged leaves have a dirty appearance, may turn yellow, eventually bronzed or silver and finally to brown and dropping. Fine webbing may also be present.

Whiteflies (Aleyrodidae): Adults are white and 1/20 to a half inch long with white powdery wings. Nymphs are translucent, slightly flat, and legless up to 1/30 of an inch long. Eggs are tiny gray or yellow cones. Adults and nymphs suck plant sap, they weaken and stunt plants. They excrete honeydew onto foliage which can turn into a sooty black mold. Whiteflies can spread viral plant diseases.

A strong spray from a hose will control some insects in small infestations. Beneficial insects will always help (more about attracting beneficial and pollinators in upcoming tips). In a last resort a good organic pesticide may be needed.

The question arises how do I control these pesky pests with a product that's eco-friendly and totally safe? The answer is Dr. Earth Pro-Active Organic Insect Sprays. I endorse Dr. Earth products because they work! Remember all my tips are based on organic practices.

Dr. Earth works to block the Octopamine neuroreceptors. Octopamine is a mite and insect neurotransmitter that controls body movement and metabolism.

The ingredients interfere with the transmission of Octopamine signals through the insect's body. The interference of these signals leads to toxicity of the insects and will immobilize them and ultimately kill them. The garlic extract in Dr. Earth repels insects for 14 days or longer.

This fine organic insecticide not only controls insects but also quickly rejuvenate plant growth! Fertilizer and growth enhancers have been added, gardeners receive several benefits. Dr. Earth does it all!

Do not spray during excessive heat periods. Spraying at night because it's cooler out may still cause problems if the next day it's 90 degrees out. Follow all directions!

•Wally Schmidtke has been a manager at Pesche's Garden Center for 20 years. The Tremendous Tomato Contest ends Oct. 10. Rules are available at Pesche's.