Question
How do I rid my containerized vegetable plants (lettuce, parsley, mint,etc.) on the back porch from pincher-type bugs naturally? My concern is using chemicals as I'm attempting to grow vegetables to eat & don't want to chance harming animals nor myself by eating harmful chemicals - yet, I can't think of how to rid myself of these pests. We also have carpenter ants & would also like to discourage them as well. Are you able to assist? Thank you in advance.

Answer
Gail,

To start with move them outdoors into full sun. Vegetables need full sun or they are weak and more susceptible to insects.

Second mix a tablespoon of liquid soap with a quart of room temp water and put it in a spray bottle. Spray the plants being sure to spray all the leaves fronts and backs. This will kill any insects it touches. The soap smothers them. You will need to spray daily for a week. Then watch the plants closely. If you see more insects start spraying again. Good luck.

Darlene