bugs eating my greens!

[earthmomma]

Has anyone had any problem with harlequin bugs eating kale/collards? At least I think they are harlequin bugs...yellow and black. They are decimating my greens, which is a staple in my family's diet. I have tried a soap spray and neem oil...not really wanting to do pyrethins, but I read that it will work.
Any thoughts/advice?

[Chanley]

Have you tried pepper/tobacco spray?

This combo is really good depending on the type of plants (dont spray solanaceas with tobacco).

I think your kale and collards would be fine with this. Take your tobacco and boil it to make a tea. Add a few pinches of cayenne. Strain the whole mess. Dilute with water to desired strength. And spray the buggers.

Try this.

[earthmomma]

Thanks so much! I need to do this today.
About how much tobacco do you think I would need,
in how much water?...someone gave me a pouch of the chewin' kind, so I am ready.

[Chanley]

I would start with maybe 1/4 cup tobacco and 2 quarts of water. Then boil it nicely till you get tea. Save your tobacco, you can use it again if you dry it out. I usually try to boil it in an old knee high then hang that to dry outside on the clothes line. (the niegbors know I am weird).

Good luck!