THE Prepping thread - a new beginning :)

Karmacat

GreyQueen wrote: »

Just a thought; if ants are all over your blackcurrant bush it probably isn't going to be them after the fruit but it's likely that they are milking an aphid infestation on the bush? Can you see any signs of that?

I haven't had to deal with this problem myself but my blackcurrant bush gets infested with snails (hand pick and smash is my remedy) which at least are easier to see.

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

Had a quick look online and consensus of opinion is that ants will be after aphids on your blackcurrant bush. Deal with the aphid problem (pyrethroid insecticide recommended) and the ant problem will disappear.

Thanks folks (I went out for a walk, had to do nothing afterwards, but it was lovely!) yes, they're definitely after the aphids not the blackcurrants themselves, which is why I've no problem eating the blackcurrants - but they're on the bush, they get caught up when I pick the fruit, or even brush against the leaves.

Pyrethroid insecticide ... I've just done a little bit of googling ... and these sentences from a Wiley online report about mosquito nets caught my eye:

"Pyrethroids entering the systemic circulation are rapidly metabolized to much less toxic metabolites. Toxicologically, pyrethroids have a useful characteristic – the production of skin paraesthesia – which gives an early indication of exposure. This reversible symptom of exposure is due to transient stimulation of peripheral sensory nerves and not a toxic effect."

As well as a fact sheet from the US, a National Pesticide http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/pyrethrins.pdfInformation Center publication about pyrethrins, not pyrethroids.

Unless I can find an organic equivalent - maybe a higher dosage of what I used last year? - I'll stick with water/soil sieve, maybe with the water being hosed, not poured from a jug, which will make it more effective.

Contributions appreciated, thank you both :kisses3:

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[Deleted User]

The articles I read about ants/aphids were the recommended 'Pyrethroid Insectiside' info. Now you know it IS aphids, you can try all the benign alternatives there are until you find your own solution in a form that is acceptable to you pet!

fuddle

I unnerstand Mar. I can only speak for myself but I think it's because you're tough, proud people that I don't want you to go. I just think we're one and the same, probably because I spend time up there, have family there, DH spent his formative years there and we aren't a kick in the backside away from you being in the North East.

I completely understand why you would want to go and you shouldn't need to give your reasons so sorry I pulled you into doing that. I just feel sad that it's all likely to happen again and it does seem like we're letting politics divide us.

mardatha

No not divided at all, never! Miners were always special, a race apart - so we both have good blood Fuddsy! And if we do get Indy then we can still stand either side of the Border Fence and yakk over it :D

mardatha

If any of you lot down there feel like coming up to the Border and throwing cake or sweeties over... I'M HERE!

[Deleted User]

I saw an article (can't remember where), about vegetarians during WW2.

It said that anyone declaring as a vegetarian, would have their meat ration card replaced, with one for extra cheese and cooking fat.

Back in the 1930s/1940s, wasn't cheese made with animal rennet, and wasn't cooking fat lard, or dripping?

fuddle

I just remember reading about government cheddar Bob. A processed manufactured cheese apparently but I also read that Britain's pivitol pre-war place in world trade meant that we could get food resources from the Empire and beyond with cheese and butter coming from New Zealand. What's the craic on war time cheese friends?

monnagran

Fuddle, it was a lot nicer than wartime sausages!

fuddle

What was in war time sausages? :eek:

mardatha

Oh god I think I'd be feart to know!