Question
i have noticed miniscule black insects that bore into my zucchinis. the fruit appears normal on the outside although slightly stunted in growth, until i noticed a small hole in the end of the fruit where the flower has been. there are many of them inside the fruit, though not enough of them (nor do they seem big enough) to devour the entire inside flesh of the fruit. they only seem to effect the smaller fruits on the bush. BUT now as i was husking my sweet corn this evening, i found them in there. all the vegetables are in the same area of the garden, and other veggie patches have existed in this place before, but not for some time. please help. what are these insects un-known to me.
I am as passionate about conserving the environment and minimizing my impact as i am about being self sufficient. but like many i just have a real love for my garden and vegetable patch. and it seems you would agree that something low-risk would be the best cure.

regards kym bradley

Answer
Kym, the insect you described sounds like the flea beetle, but it is difficult to assess the exact species without seeing it firsthand.

Regardless of the insect, there are many organic insecticides on the market. They include pyrethrum, rotenone, insecticidal soaps, and horticultural sprays. The one I recommend highly is a product called Pyola. It is a combination of the pyrethrum, which is a derivative of the chrysanthenum flower, and cannola oil. This product can be reviewed by linking to Gardens Alive, a company that specializes in organic pest control.

http://www.gardensalive.com/product.asp?pn=8101

Another effective control for flea beetles and many other smaller insects are yellow sticky traps. They can be made at home using yellow poster boards covered on one side with Tangle-Trap or any other sticky substance generally sold for trees at garden centers. You can also purchase them pre-cut in packs of 10. An example can be viewed through the attached link:

http://www.planetnatural.com/site/yellow-sticky-traps.html

http://www.planetnatural.com/site/tanglefoot-trap-coating.html

I hope this information helps. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike