Hello Gardeners, I'm Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow! I read the Etiquette book sometimes to see what the old additions listed as "necessary items for the well appointed home," and I've got a new and maybe unexpected addition - knee high lady's stockings. Ever since that Imported Japanese Ladybug Beetle got established in this country, winter brings home invasions of these critters who are looking for a warm, safe place to hang out. Sweeping them is a big mistake-- when disturbed they leave a odorous and staining residue. The best remedy is to put a knee high stocking on one segment of the vacuum and then suck them inside the machine. Remove the stocking, knot it, and discard it in the trash. If you simply run the vacuum and put it away, these insects will walk down the hose and return to their favorite corner.
Amanda McNulty is a Clemson University Extension Horticulture agent and the host of South Carolina ETV’s Making It Grow! gardening program. She studied horticulture at Clemson University as a non-traditional student. “I’m so fortunate that my early attempts at getting a degree got side tracked as I’m a lot better at getting dirty in the garden than practicing diplomacy!” McNulty also studied at South Carolina State University and earned a graduate degree in teaching there.