[CH] Citrus/Cat Barrier, Was Aphids and Whiteflies
D. Gibson (jongleurdg@earthlink.net)
Tue, 11 Jan 2000 09:08:50 -0600
Chris, we have a saying around these parts that goes "Can't even win for
losing!". You seem to have very unusual cats because citrus is
"supposed" to be a mild repellant and an irritant on cats' skin and
noses and such. Before I suggest you try blended, filtered hot pepper
and garlic tea or habanero dust on the plants as a repellant, perhaps
you could ask your cats if they LIKE pepper/garlic tea.. LOL. You may
have to resort to mechanical barriers such as chicken wire cages or
up-ended tall laundry baskets over the plants or a wide strip of crushed
pecan shells that they would rather not walk on. Although an unusual
barrier method, pecan shells can be purchased in bulk and make a good
mulch.
Has anyone tried putting a thin, translucent white trash bag over the
entire plant as a cat buffet barrier? In fact if string is used to
secure the bag at the bottom, it might even make a temporary
mini-greenhouse of sorts. The white color of the bag SHOULD diffuse
ambient light enough for the plant to keep growing while covered.
CAUTION: Be wary of direct sunlight as it might COOK the plant in the
bag.
D. Gibson
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris Meredith" <merc@innocent.com>
To: "D. Gibson" <jongleurdg@earthlink.net>;
<chile-heads@globalgarden.com>
Sent: Monday, January 10, 2000 11:09 PM
Subject: Re: [CH] Re: Aphids & Whiteflies
: I took your advice and used the Citrus oil, unfortunately I now need
: something to keep my Siamese cats away from the plants.
: Yes these are the same duo that decimated my seedlings earlier in the
year.
: I have(had) an Habanero plant that was actually
: experiencing growth after bringing it inside for the winter. it did
get
: infested with either whiteflies or aphids so I used the Citrus oil.
: I was washing the dishes tonight and noticed that all the leaves
except one
: had fallen off. I pointed it out to my wife and she made
: the comment that I would "never learn" . I chased her down to find
out
: what she meant and she said that she found the cats Happily
: munching on my plants this a.m,.
:
: so you ask where is this leading to well ..... does anyone have any
: recipe's appropriate for the situation? I have seen recipes for many
exotic
: food including Girl Scout's I now need one for a 15 yo Blue point
Siamese
: and a 15 yo seal point and a recommendation for an a appropriate wine
:
: I was unaware the cats like citrus
:
: -Chris
:
: