Question
From Wisconsin
I like to put my houseplants outside for the summer but have a problem with chipmunks digging in them and burying seeds, and also get bugs from them in the house when I bring them back inside in the fall.  I have various houseplants.  I have a covered porch but it is open on all sides.  Are there any simple solutions to add to watering or anything you can recommend to do to keep pests away?

Answer
you could add some safer soap to the water once a month to kill anything in the soil. this is called a soil drench. use the pesticide at 1/4 the normal strength for the drench. before you bring them in before winter spray them about 2-3 days before with orthene( a systemic). visit a local garden center/nursery to see what they recommend for your area.