I've been perusing the internet looking for ways to help preserve some
of my summer bounty. One thing I ran across, that I couldn't wait to
try, was freezing fresh herbs in olive oil. I did read that some think
basil is not a good candidate for this process, we'll see, I just had
to try it myself.
It worked out great. I'm happy to have all my harvest and not have the
excess go to waste.

Here's what I did
http://www.kokoscornerblog.com/mycor...il-leaves.html

or
http://tinyurl.com/8l6vyw6

koko
--
Food is our common ground, a universal experience
James Beard

www.kokoscornerblog.com

Natural Watkins Spices
www.apinchofspices.com

On Sat, 25 Aug 2012 20:01:18 -0700, wrote:

>
>I've been perusing the internet looking for ways to help preserve some
>of my summer bounty. One thing I ran across, that I couldn't wait to
>try, was freezing fresh herbs in olive oil. I did read that some think
>basil is not a good candidate for this process, we'll see, I just had
>to try it myself.
>It worked out great. I'm happy to have all my harvest and not have the
>excess go to waste.
>
>Here's what I did
>http://www.kokoscornerblog.com/mycor...il-leaves.html
>
>or
>http://tinyurl.com/8l6vyw6
>
>koko

You chose putting the basil leaves in oil rather than in the more
common freezing in water. What had you read that made you choose this
method?
Janet US

On Sat, 25 Aug 2012 20:01:18 -0700, wrote:

>
>I've been perusing the internet looking for ways to help preserve some
>of my summer bounty. One thing I ran across, that I couldn't wait to
>try, was freezing fresh herbs in olive oil. I did read that some think
>basil is not a good candidate for this process, we'll see, I just had
>to try it myself.
>It worked out great. I'm happy to have all my harvest and not have the
>excess go to waste.
>
>Here's what I did
>http://www.kokoscornerblog.com/mycor...il-leaves.html
>
>or
>http://tinyurl.com/8l6vyw6
>
>koko

Do you have a sunny window? Many basils, such as the Genovese, are
damn near to being weeds. Pot some up from the garden (just ruthlessly
lop off most of it from the top) and take it inside, or start a new
pot from seed to keep in the kitchen or good growing area inside over
the winter.

I bring in one large pot with parsley, oregano, thyme and marjoram,
and keep some rosemary in the garage or basement. By the end of the
season they are leggy and anxious to get back outdoors, but for most
of the winter I have fresh herbs.

Boron

Il 26/08/2012 05:01, ha scritto:

> I've been perusing the internet looking for ways to help preserve some
> of my summer bounty. One thing I ran across, that I couldn't wait to
> try, was freezing fresh herbs in olive oil. I did read that some think
> basil is not a good candidate for this process, we'll see, I just had
> to try it myself.
> It worked out great. I'm happy to have all my harvest and not have the
> excess go to waste.

Good move. In Liguria the most used method for preserving basil pesto is
very similar: they make a normal pesto but use less oil and do not add
the cheese and pinenuts, then freeze it. When it's time ro use it they
thaw it and add cheese, pinenuts and some fresh EVO oil.

On 8/26/2012 9:42 AM, ViLco wrote:
> Il 26/08/2012 05:01, ha scritto:
>
>> I've been perusing the internet looking for ways to help preserve some
>> of my summer bounty. One thing I ran across, that I couldn't wait to
>> try, was freezing fresh herbs in olive oil. I did read that some think
>> basil is not a good candidate for this process, we'll see, I just had
>> to try it myself.
>> It worked out great. I'm happy to have all my harvest and not have the
>> excess go to waste.
>
> Good move. In Liguria the most used method for preserving basil pesto is
> very similar: they make a normal pesto but use less oil and do not add
> the cheese and pinenuts, then freeze it. When it's time ro use it they
> thaw it and add cheese, pinenuts and some fresh EVO oil.

I have used that method and it does work a lot better than trying to
freeze finished pesto.

On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 09:28:10 -0400, Boron Elgar
> wrote:

>On Sat, 25 Aug 2012 20:01:18 -0700, wrote:
>
>>
>>I've been perusing the internet looking for ways to help preserve some
>>of my summer bounty. One thing I ran across, that I couldn't wait to
>>try, was freezing fresh herbs in olive oil. I did read that some think
>>basil is not a good candidate for this process, we'll see, I just had
>>to try it myself.
>>It worked out great. I'm happy to have all my harvest and not have the
>>excess go to waste.
>>
>>Here's what I did
>>http://www.kokoscornerblog.com/mycor...il-leaves.html
>>
>>or
>>http://tinyurl.com/8l6vyw6
>>
>>koko
>
>Do you have a sunny window? Many basils, such as the Genovese, are
>damn near to being weeds. Pot some up from the garden (just ruthlessly
>lop off most of it from the top) and take it inside, or start a new
>pot from seed to keep in the kitchen or good growing area inside over
>the winter.
>
>I bring in one large pot with parsley, oregano, thyme and marjoram,
>and keep some rosemary in the garage or basement. By the end of the
>season they are leggy and anxious to get back outdoors, but for most
>of the winter I have fresh herbs.
>
>Boron

Boron, I do that too. I just found the olive oil-herb thing something
interesting to do and always have herbs on hand.

koko
--
Food is our common ground, a universal experience
James Beard

www.kokoscornerblog.com

Natural Watkins Spices
www.apinchofspices.com

On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 15:42:51 +0200, ViLco > wrote:

>Il 26/08/2012 05:01, ha scritto:
>
>> I've been perusing the internet looking for ways to help preserve some
>> of my summer bounty. One thing I ran across, that I couldn't wait to
>> try, was freezing fresh herbs in olive oil. I did read that some think
>> basil is not a good candidate for this process, we'll see, I just had
>> to try it myself.
>> It worked out great. I'm happy to have all my harvest and not have the
>> excess go to waste.
>
>Good move. In Liguria the most used method for preserving basil pesto is
>very similar: they make a normal pesto but use less oil and do not add
>the cheese and pinenuts, then freeze it. When it's time ro use it they
>thaw it and add cheese, pinenuts and some fresh EVO oil.

I do the pesto thing too. As a matter of fact I have some in my
freezer now. Just wanted to try something different this time.

koko
--
Food is our common ground, a universal experience
James Beard

www.kokoscornerblog.com

Natural Watkins Spices
www.apinchofspices.com

On Sat, 25 Aug 2012 21:21:16 -0600, Janet Bostwick
> wrote:

>On Sat, 25 Aug 2012 20:01:18 -0700, wrote:
>
>>
>>I've been perusing the internet looking for ways to help preserve some
>>of my summer bounty. One thing I ran across, that I couldn't wait to
>>try, was freezing fresh herbs in olive oil. I did read that some think
>>basil is not a good candidate for this process, we'll see, I just had
>>to try it myself.
>>It worked out great. I'm happy to have all my harvest and not have the
>>excess go to waste.
>>
>>Here's what I did
>>http://www.kokoscornerblog.com/mycor...il-leaves.html
>>
>>or
>>http://tinyurl.com/8l6vyw6
>>
>>koko
>
>You chose putting the basil leaves in oil rather than in the more
>common freezing in water. What had you read that made you choose this
>method?
>Janet US

Didn't "choose," as I didn't give it that much thought. I just saw
something different and wanted to try it.

koko
--
Food is our common ground, a universal experience
James Beard

www.kokoscornerblog.com

Natural Watkins Spices
www.apinchofspices.com

Il 26/08/2012 15:47, George ha scritto:

>> Good move. In Liguria the most used method for preserving basil pesto is
>> very similar: they make a normal pesto but use less oil and do not add
>> the cheese and pinenuts, then freeze it. When it's time ro use it they
>> thaw it and add cheese, pinenuts and some fresh EVO oil.

> I have used that method and it does work a lot better than trying to
> freeze finished pesto.

It also works well for keeping the basil in the fridge, it lasts about a
week but one has to use more oil then.

On Sat, 25 Aug 2012 21:21:16 -0600, Janet Bostwick
> wrote:

>On Sat, 25 Aug 2012 20:01:18 -0700, wrote:
>
>>
>>I've been perusing the internet looking for ways to help preserve some
>>of my summer bounty. One thing I ran across, that I couldn't wait to
>>try, was freezing fresh herbs in olive oil. I did read that some think
>>basil is not a good candidate for this process, we'll see, I just had
>>to try it myself.
>>It worked out great. I'm happy to have all my harvest and not have the
>>excess go to waste.
>>
>>Here's what I did
>>http://www.kokoscornerblog.com/mycor...il-leaves.html
>>
>>or
>>http://tinyurl.com/8l6vyw6
>>
>>koko
>
>You chose putting the basil leaves in oil rather than in the more
>common freezing in water. What had you read that made you choose this
>method?
>Janet US

Seems totally silly and messy... it's easy to preserve fresh herbs by
layering them with a little kosher salt between each leaf and keeping
them in the fridge.

On 8/25/2012 11:01 PM, wrote:
>
> I've been perusing the internet looking for ways to help preserve some
> of my summer bounty. One thing I ran across, that I couldn't wait to
> try, was freezing fresh herbs in olive oil. I did read that some think
> basil is not a good candidate for this process, we'll see, I just had
> to try it myself.
> It worked out great. I'm happy to have all my harvest and not have the
> excess go to waste.
>
> Here's what I did
> http://www.kokoscornerblog.com/mycor...il-leaves.html
>
> or
> http://tinyurl.com/8l6vyw6
>
> koko
> --

Thanks, koko. I have a neighbor who sent an email offering free fresh
basil leaves for the taking. I may need to buy a couple of ice cube
trays

Jill

"Boron Elgar" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 25 Aug 2012 20:01:18 -0700, wrote:
>
>>
>>I've been perusing the internet looking for ways to help preserve some
>>of my summer bounty. One thing I ran across, that I couldn't wait to
>>try, was freezing fresh herbs in olive oil. I did read that some think
>>basil is not a good candidate for this process, we'll see, I just had
>>to try it myself.
>>It worked out great. I'm happy to have all my harvest and not have the
>>excess go to waste.
>>
>>Here's what I did
>>http://www.kokoscornerblog.com/mycor...il-leaves.html
>>
>>or
>>http://tinyurl.com/8l6vyw6
>>
>>koko
>
> Do you have a sunny window? Many basils, such as the Genovese, are
> damn near to being weeds. Pot some up from the garden (just ruthlessly
> lop off most of it from the top) and take it inside, or start a new
> pot from seed to keep in the kitchen or good growing area inside over
> the winter.
>
> I bring in one large pot with parsley, oregano, thyme and marjoram,
> and keep some rosemary in the garage or basement. By the end of the
> season they are leggy and anxious to get back outdoors, but for most
> of the winter I have fresh herbs.
>
I've tried that but, in spite of the harsh winters, aphids appear from
"nowhere" and ruin everything.
Graham

On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 12:34:04 -0600, "graham" > wrote:

>
>"Boron Elgar" > wrote in message

>>
>> Do you have a sunny window? Many basils, such as the Genovese, are
>> damn near to being weeds. Pot some up from the garden (just ruthlessly
>> lop off most of it from the top) and take it inside, or start a new
>> pot from seed to keep in the kitchen or good growing area inside over
>> the winter.
>>
>> I bring in one large pot with parsley, oregano, thyme and marjoram,
>> and keep some rosemary in the garage or basement. By the end of the
>> season they are leggy and anxious to get back outdoors, but for most
>> of the winter I have fresh herbs.
>>
>I've tried that but, in spite of the harsh winters, aphids appear from
>"nowhere" and ruin everything.
>Graham
>

Alas. aphids and scale seem to appear on a lot of plants that get
overwintered indoors. I assume that outside there are natural
predators and less fortuitous conditions for the pests.

Boron

On 8/26/2012 5:32 PM, Boron Elgar wrote:
> On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 12:34:04 -0600, "graham" > wrote:
>
>>
>> "Boron Elgar" > wrote in message
>
>>>
>>> Do you have a sunny window? Many basils, such as the Genovese, are
>>> damn near to being weeds. Pot some up from the garden (just ruthlessly
>>> lop off most of it from the top) and take it inside, or start a new
>>> pot from seed to keep in the kitchen or good growing area inside over
>>> the winter.
>>>
>>> I bring in one large pot with parsley, oregano, thyme and marjoram,
>>> and keep some rosemary in the garage or basement. By the end of the
>>> season they are leggy and anxious to get back outdoors, but for most
>>> of the winter I have fresh herbs.
>>>
>> I've tried that but, in spite of the harsh winters, aphids appear from
>> "nowhere" and ruin everything.
>> Graham
>>
>
> Alas. aphids and scale seem to appear on a lot of plants that get
> overwintered indoors. I assume that outside there are natural
> predators and less fortuitous conditions for the pests.
>
> Boron
>
You could always import lady bugs (ladybird beetles) to eat the aphids

Jill

On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 17:51:30 -0400, jmcquown >
wrote:

>On 8/26/2012 5:32 PM, Boron Elgar wrote:
>> On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 12:34:04 -0600, "graham" > wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> "Boron Elgar" > wrote in message
>>
>>>>
>>>> Do you have a sunny window? Many basils, such as the Genovese, are
>>>> damn near to being weeds. Pot some up from the garden (just ruthlessly
>>>> lop off most of it from the top) and take it inside, or start a new
>>>> pot from seed to keep in the kitchen or good growing area inside over
>>>> the winter.
>>>>
>>>> I bring in one large pot with parsley, oregano, thyme and marjoram,
>>>> and keep some rosemary in the garage or basement. By the end of the
>>>> season they are leggy and anxious to get back outdoors, but for most
>>>> of the winter I have fresh herbs.
>>>>
>>> I've tried that but, in spite of the harsh winters, aphids appear from
>>> "nowhere" and ruin everything.
>>> Graham
>>>
>>
>> Alas. aphids and scale seem to appear on a lot of plants that get
>> overwintered indoors. I assume that outside there are natural
>> predators and less fortuitous conditions for the pests.
>>
>> Boron
>>
>You could always import lady bugs (ladybird beetles) to eat the aphids
>
>Jill

Lady bugs are wonders of nature, but best limited to outdoor
relationships. They have been known to swarm houses, actually.

Boron

On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 18:12:08 -0400, Boron Elgar
> wrote:

>On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 17:51:30 -0400, jmcquown >
>wrote:
>
>>On 8/26/2012 5:32 PM, Boron Elgar wrote:
>>> On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 12:34:04 -0600, "graham" > wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Boron Elgar" > wrote in message
>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Do you have a sunny window? Many basils, such as the Genovese, are
>>>>> damn near to being weeds. Pot some up from the garden (just ruthlessly
>>>>> lop off most of it from the top) and take it inside, or start a new
>>>>> pot from seed to keep in the kitchen or good growing area inside over
>>>>> the winter.
>>>>>
>>>>> I bring in one large pot with parsley, oregano, thyme and marjoram,
>>>>> and keep some rosemary in the garage or basement. By the end of the
>>>>> season they are leggy and anxious to get back outdoors, but for most
>>>>> of the winter I have fresh herbs.
>>>>>
>>>> I've tried that but, in spite of the harsh winters, aphids appear from
>>>> "nowhere" and ruin everything.
>>>> Graham
>>>>
>>>
>>> Alas. aphids and scale seem to appear on a lot of plants that get
>>> overwintered indoors. I assume that outside there are natural
>>> predators and less fortuitous conditions for the pests.
>>>
>>> Boron
>>>
>>You could always import lady bugs (ladybird beetles) to eat the aphids
>>
>>Jill
>
>Lady bugs are wonders of nature, but best limited to outdoor
>relationships. They have been known to swarm houses, actually.
>
>Boron

I saw a house like that once. It was ugly. Masses of lady bugs
covering the walls, windows. . .
Janet US

On 8/26/2012 9:15 PM, Janet Bostwick wrote:
> On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 18:12:08 -0400, Boron Elgar
> > wrote:
>
>> On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 17:51:30 -0400, jmcquown >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> On 8/26/2012 5:32 PM, Boron Elgar wrote:
>>>> On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 12:34:04 -0600, "graham" > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> "Boron Elgar" > wrote in message
>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Do you have a sunny window? Many basils, such as the Genovese, are
>>>>>> damn near to being weeds. Pot some up from the garden (just ruthlessly
>>>>>> lop off most of it from the top) and take it inside, or start a new
>>>>>> pot from seed to keep in the kitchen or good growing area inside over
>>>>>> the winter.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I bring in one large pot with parsley, oregano, thyme and marjoram,
>>>>>> and keep some rosemary in the garage or basement. By the end of the
>>>>>> season they are leggy and anxious to get back outdoors, but for most
>>>>>> of the winter I have fresh herbs.
>>>>>>
>>>>> I've tried that but, in spite of the harsh winters, aphids appear from
>>>>> "nowhere" and ruin everything.
>>>>> Graham
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Alas. aphids and scale seem to appear on a lot of plants that get
>>>> overwintered indoors. I assume that outside there are natural
>>>> predators and less fortuitous conditions for the pests.
>>>>
>>>> Boron
>>>>
>>> You could always import lady bugs (ladybird beetles) to eat the aphids
>>>
>>> Jill
>>
>> Lady bugs are wonders of nature, but best limited to outdoor
>> relationships. They have been known to swarm houses, actually.
>>
>> Boron
>
> I saw a house like that once. It was ugly. Masses of lady bugs
> covering the walls, windows. . .
> Janet US
>
You should have seen them swarming the sides of the pink building where
I worked. Then the birds came and picked them off. It was like
something out of a Hitchcock film.

Jill

On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 21:57:54 -0400, jmcquown >
wrote:

>On 8/26/2012 9:15 PM, Janet Bostwick wrote:
snip

>> I saw a house like that once. It was ugly. Masses of lady bugs
>> covering the walls, windows. . .
>> Janet US
>>
>You should have seen them swarming the sides of the pink building where
>I worked. Then the birds came and picked them off. It was like
>something out of a Hitchcock film.
>
>Jill

Wow! You're exactly right.
Janet US

On 8/27/2012 12:43 AM, Janet Bostwick wrote:
> On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 21:57:54 -0400, jmcquown >
> wrote:
>
>> On 8/26/2012 9:15 PM, Janet Bostwick wrote:
> snip
>
>>> I saw a house like that once. It was ugly. Masses of lady bugs
>>> covering the walls, windows. . .
>>> Janet US
>>>
>> You should have seen them swarming the sides of the pink building where
>> I worked. Then the birds came and picked them off. It was like
>> something out of a Hitchcock film.
>>
>> Jill
>
> Wow! You're exactly right.
> Janet US
>
But they do eat aphids This is a good thing if you grow roses and
other plants which are bothered by bugs.

Apparently they "flock" like birds do. I'd never seen such a thing
before. People were (unintentionally) bringing them in on their
clothes. They'd just hitch a ride. There were lady bugs all over the
office.

Jill

On Mon, 27 Aug 2012 09:33:50 -0400, jmcquown >
wrote:

>On 8/27/2012 12:43 AM, Janet Bostwick wrote:
>> On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 21:57:54 -0400, jmcquown >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> On 8/26/2012 9:15 PM, Janet Bostwick wrote:
>> snip
>>
>>>> I saw a house like that once. It was ugly. Masses of lady bugs
>>>> covering the walls, windows. . .
>>>> Janet US
>>>>
>>> You should have seen them swarming the sides of the pink building where
>>> I worked. Then the birds came and picked them off. It was like
>>> something out of a Hitchcock film.
>>>
>>> Jill
>>
>> Wow! You're exactly right.
>> Janet US
>>
>But they do eat aphids This is a good thing if you grow roses and
>other plants which are bothered by bugs.
>
>Apparently they "flock" like birds do. I'd never seen such a thing
>before. People were (unintentionally) bringing them in on their
>clothes. They'd just hitch a ride. There were lady bugs all over the
>office.
>
>Jill

Was that about 10 - 12 years ago? I remember there was a lot in the
news about it then (that's when I saw them). Weather conditions had
been just right to allow the abundance and swarming.
Janet US

On Mon, 27 Aug 2012 08:01:00 -0600, Janet Bostwick
> wrote:

>On Mon, 27 Aug 2012 09:33:50 -0400, jmcquown >
>wrote:
>
>>On 8/27/2012 12:43 AM, Janet Bostwick wrote:
>>> On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 21:57:54 -0400, jmcquown >
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 8/26/2012 9:15 PM, Janet Bostwick wrote:
>>> snip
>>>
>>>>> I saw a house like that once. It was ugly. Masses of lady bugs
>>>>> covering the walls, windows. . .
>>>>> Janet US
>>>>>
>>>> You should have seen them swarming the sides of the pink building where
>>>> I worked. Then the birds came and picked them off. It was like
>>>> something out of a Hitchcock film.
>>>>
>>>> Jill
>>>
>>> Wow! You're exactly right.
>>> Janet US
>>>
>>But they do eat aphids This is a good thing if you grow roses and
>>other plants which are bothered by bugs.
>>
>>Apparently they "flock" like birds do. I'd never seen such a thing
>>before. People were (unintentionally) bringing them in on their
>>clothes. They'd just hitch a ride. There were lady bugs all over the
>>office.
>>
>>Jill
>
>Was that about 10 - 12 years ago? I remember there was a lot in the
>news about it then (that's when I saw them). Weather conditions had
>been just right to allow the abundance and swarming.
>Janet US


I don't get serious trouble with the indoor plants until February or
so. The gardenias and citrus and bay suffer the most.

For the gardenias and citrus, I put them into the shower and hose them
down a couple of times per week, then use Safer insecticidal soap on
them.

The bays plants are not large, so we usually just hand scrape off the
scale.

Boron

On 8/27/2012 10:01 AM, Janet Bostwick wrote:
> On Mon, 27 Aug 2012 09:33:50 -0400, jmcquown >
> wrote:
>
>> On 8/27/2012 12:43 AM, Janet Bostwick wrote:
>>> On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 21:57:54 -0400, jmcquown >
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 8/26/2012 9:15 PM, Janet Bostwick wrote:
>>> snip
>>>
>>>>> I saw a house like that once. It was ugly. Masses of lady bugs
>>>>> covering the walls, windows. . .
>>>>> Janet US
>>>>>
>>>> You should have seen them swarming the sides of the pink building where
>>>> I worked. Then the birds came and picked them off. It was like
>>>> something out of a Hitchcock film.
>>>>
>>>> Jill
>>>
>>> Wow! You're exactly right.
>>> Janet US
>>>
>> But they do eat aphids This is a good thing if you grow roses and
>> other plants which are bothered by bugs.
>>
>> Apparently they "flock" like birds do. I'd never seen such a thing
>> before. People were (unintentionally) bringing them in on their
>> clothes. They'd just hitch a ride. There were lady bugs all over the
>> office.
>>
>> Jill
>
> Was that about 10 - 12 years ago? I remember there was a lot in the
> news about it then (that's when I saw them). Weather conditions had
> been just right to allow the abundance and swarming.
> Janet US
>
Yep, 10-12 years ago sounds about right. Lady bugs were all over the
news and the office

Jill

In article >,
Janet Bostwick > wrote:

> On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 18:12:08 -0400, Boron Elgar
> > wrote:


> >Lady bugs are wonders of nature, but best limited to outdoor
> >relationships. They have been known to swarm houses, actually.
> >
> >Boron
>
> I saw a house like that once. It was ugly. Masses of lady bugs
> covering the walls, windows. . .
> Janet US

I'll bet they were not ladybugs but their look-almost-likes.
--
Barb,
http://www.barbschaller.com, as of July 25, 2012

In article >,
jmcquown > wrote:

> On 8/26/2012 9:15 PM, Janet Bostwick wrote:
> > On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 18:12:08 -0400, Boron Elgar

> >> Lady bugs are wonders of nature, but best limited to outdoor
> >> relationships. They have been known to swarm houses, actually.
> >>
> >> Boron
> >
> > I saw a house like that once. It was ugly. Masses of lady bugs
> > covering the walls, windows. . .
> > Janet US
> >
> You should have seen them swarming the sides of the pink building where
> I worked. Then the birds came and picked them off. It was like
> something out of a Hitchcock film.
>
> Jill

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_th...lady_bug_and_a
_Japanese_beetle

I've never seen a swarm of ladybugs but the Japanese beetles are nasty.
--
Barb,
http://www.barbschaller.com, as of July 25, 2012

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> Janet Bostwick > wrote:
>> Boron Elgar > wrote:
>
>> >Lady bugs are wonders of nature, but best limited to outdoor
>> >relationships. They have been known to swarm houses, actually.
>
>> I saw a house like that once. It was ugly. Masses of lady bugs
>> covering the walls, windows. . .
>
> I'll bet they were not ladybugs but their look-almost-likes.

Those yellow bugs have the same shape as lady bugs but they appear to be
plant eating beetles not aphid eaters. Plant eaters do tend to
congregate. Predators do not tend to congregate.

In Chicago metro we get hordes of the little things trying to go indoors
just before the first snow. Crush one and it leaves a yellow goo that
looks like it might work as a dye. Ladybugs don't leave a liquid like
that when crushed.

In article >,
Doug Freyburger > wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> > Janet Bostwick > wrote:
> >> Boron Elgar > wrote:
> >
> >> >Lady bugs are wonders of nature, but best limited to outdoor
> >> >relationships. They have been known to swarm houses, actually.
> >
> >> I saw a house like that once. It was ugly. Masses of lady bugs
> >> covering the walls, windows. . .
> >
> > I'll bet they were not ladybugs but their look-almost-likes.
>
> Those yellow bugs have the same shape as lady bugs but they appear to be
> plant eating beetles not aphid eaters. Plant eaters do tend to
> congregate. Predators do not tend to congregate.
>
> In Chicago metro we get hordes of the little things trying to go indoors
> just before the first snow. Crush one and it leaves a yellow goo that
> looks like it might work as a dye. Ladybugs don't leave a liquid like
> that when crushed.

Yup. Thanks, Doug.
--
Barb,
http://www.barbschaller.com, as of July 25, 2012

On 8/26/2012 9:15 PM, Janet Bostwick wrote:
> On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 18:12:08 -0400, Boron Elgar
> > wrote:
>
>> On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 17:51:30 -0400, jmcquown >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> On 8/26/2012 5:32 PM, Boron Elgar wrote:
>>>> On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 12:34:04 -0600, "graham" > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> "Boron Elgar" > wrote in message
>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Do you have a sunny window? Many basils, such as the Genovese, are
>>>>>> damn near to being weeds. Pot some up from the garden (just ruthlessly
>>>>>> lop off most of it from the top) and take it inside, or start a new
>>>>>> pot from seed to keep in the kitchen or good growing area inside over
>>>>>> the winter.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I bring in one large pot with parsley, oregano, thyme and marjoram,
>>>>>> and keep some rosemary in the garage or basement. By the end of the
>>>>>> season they are leggy and anxious to get back outdoors, but for most
>>>>>> of the winter I have fresh herbs.
>>>>>>
>>>>> I've tried that but, in spite of the harsh winters, aphids appear from
>>>>> "nowhere" and ruin everything.
>>>>> Graham
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Alas. aphids and scale seem to appear on a lot of plants that get
>>>> overwintered indoors. I assume that outside there are natural
>>>> predators and less fortuitous conditions for the pests.
>>>>
>>>> Boron
>>>>
>>> You could always import lady bugs (ladybird beetles) to eat the aphids
>>>
>>> Jill
>>
>> Lady bugs are wonders of nature, but best limited to outdoor
>> relationships. They have been known to swarm houses, actually.
>>
>> Boron
>
> I saw a house like that once. It was ugly. Masses of lady bugs
> covering the walls, windows. . .
> Janet US
>

They get like that at my house in the late fall. They swarm the south
side of the house, and are usually all over the windows. They've found
their way inside at times but it's been limited to the basement and they
haven't gone any further in the house than that, but maybe for a few.

On 8/30/2012 12:33 PM, Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> In article >,
> Janet Bostwick > wrote:
>
>> On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 18:12:08 -0400, Boron Elgar
>> > wrote:
>
>
>>> Lady bugs are wonders of nature, but best limited to outdoor
>>> relationships. They have been known to swarm houses, actually.
>>>
>>> Boron
>>
>> I saw a house like that once. It was ugly. Masses of lady bugs
>> covering the walls, windows. . .
>> Janet US
>
> I'll bet they were not ladybugs but their look-almost-likes.
>
I know those. They're more of an orange color and they bite.

On Fri, 31 Aug 2012 23:17:20 -0400, Cheryl >
wrote:

>On 8/26/2012 9:15 PM, Janet Bostwick wrote:
>> On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 18:12:08 -0400, Boron Elgar
>> > wrote:
>>
>>> On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 17:51:30 -0400, jmcquown >
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 8/26/2012 5:32 PM, Boron Elgar wrote:
>>>>> On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 12:34:04 -0600, "graham" > wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Boron Elgar" > wrote in message
>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Do you have a sunny window? Many basils, such as the Genovese, are
>>>>>>> damn near to being weeds. Pot some up from the garden (just ruthlessly
>>>>>>> lop off most of it from the top) and take it inside, or start a new
>>>>>>> pot from seed to keep in the kitchen or good growing area inside over
>>>>>>> the winter.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I bring in one large pot with parsley, oregano, thyme and marjoram,
>>>>>>> and keep some rosemary in the garage or basement. By the end of the
>>>>>>> season they are leggy and anxious to get back outdoors, but for most
>>>>>>> of the winter I have fresh herbs.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> I've tried that but, in spite of the harsh winters, aphids appear from
>>>>>> "nowhere" and ruin everything.
>>>>>> Graham
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Alas. aphids and scale seem to appear on a lot of plants that get
>>>>> overwintered indoors. I assume that outside there are natural
>>>>> predators and less fortuitous conditions for the pests.
>>>>>
>>>>> Boron
>>>>>
>>>> You could always import lady bugs (ladybird beetles) to eat the aphids
>>>>
>>>> Jill
>>>
>>> Lady bugs are wonders of nature, but best limited to outdoor
>>> relationships. They have been known to swarm houses, actually.
>>>
>>> Boron
>>
>> I saw a house like that once. It was ugly. Masses of lady bugs
>> covering the walls, windows. . .
>> Janet US
>>
>
>They get like that at my house in the late fall. They swarm the south
>side of the house, and are usually all over the windows. They've found
>their way inside at times but it's been limited to the basement and they
>haven't gone any further in the house than that, but maybe for a few.

I get a swarm of lady bugs in my house in fall too, they don't do
damage and don't stay long, meanwhile they are great entertainment for
my cats. This year my property is over run with praying mantis...
when I'm clearing brush they leap out like helocopters, big suckers.

Shelley wrote:

> I get a swarm of lady bugs in my house in fall too, they don't do
> damage and don't stay long, meanwhile they are great entertainment for
> my cats.

You should try this:

<http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Ladybug-Cookies>

On Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:33:40 -0500, Melba's Jammin'
> wrote:

>In article >,
> Janet Bostwick > wrote:
>
>> On Sun, 26 Aug 2012 18:12:08 -0400, Boron Elgar
>> > wrote:
>
>
>> >Lady bugs are wonders of nature, but best limited to outdoor
>> >relationships. They have been known to swarm houses, actually.
>> >
>> >Boron
>>
>> I saw a house like that once. It was ugly. Masses of lady bugs
>> covering the walls, windows. . .
>> Janet US
>
>I'll bet they were not ladybugs but their look-almost-likes.

I do know the difference and I bet the scientists that described the
issue knew the difference as well.
Janet US

On 9/1/2012 11:34 AM, Brooklyn1 wrote:
>
> I get a swarm of lady bugs in my house in fall too, they don't do
> damage and don't stay long, meanwhile they are great entertainment for
> my cats. This year my property is over run with praying mantis...
> when I'm clearing brush they leap out like helocopters, big suckers.

There's a visual difference between native USA 'ladybugs' vs. "Asian
lady beetles" albeit very slight. The non-native 'Asian lady beetle'
bites, and its bite definitely hurts - I know from personal experience!
It's the 'Asian lady beetle' that swarms to homes and buildings in the
fall looking for winter shelter. Oh, the 'Asian lady beetle' will cause
a stink/odor if they're crushed, so it's best to use a vacuum to get rid
of them.

I Googled "asian lady beetle vs. ladybug differences usda edu". One
reference is <http://www.ipm.msu.edu/beetlefaq.htm> that some folks may
find helpful.

Sky

--

Ultra Ultimate Kitchen Rule - Use the Timer!
Ultimate Kitchen Rule -- Cook's Choice!!

On Sat, 01 Sep 2012 12:01:19 -0500, Sky >
wrote:

>On 9/1/2012 11:34 AM, Brooklyn1 wrote:
>>
>> I get a swarm of lady bugs in my house in fall too, they don't do
>> damage and don't stay long, meanwhile they are great entertainment for
>> my cats. This year my property is over run with praying mantis...
>> when I'm clearing brush they leap out like helocopters, big suckers.
>
>There's a visual difference between native USA 'ladybugs' vs. "Asian
>lady beetles" albeit very slight. The non-native 'Asian lady beetle'
>bites, and its bite definitely hurts - I know from personal experience!
> It's the 'Asian lady beetle' that swarms to homes and buildings in the
>fall looking for winter shelter. Oh, the 'Asian lady beetle' will cause
>a stink/odor if they're crushed, so it's best to use a vacuum to get rid
>of them.
>
>I Googled "asian lady beetle vs. ladybug differences usda edu". One
>reference is <http://www.ipm.msu.edu/beetlefaq.htm> that some folks may
>find helpful.

Interesting. I don't know what kind I have but each year they arrive,
stay a few days and depart. There aren't thousands but certainly a
few hundred. They seem to congregate on the south wall. If they bite
I've never been bitten. I've never noticed any odor but then I don't
crush them. Bugs don't bother me, I leave them be and they always
tend to disappear... I think the spiders get them.

On 9/1/2012 1:01 PM, Sky wrote:
>
> There's a visual difference between native USA 'ladybugs' vs. "Asian
> lady beetles" albeit very slight. The non-native 'Asian lady beetle'
> bites, and its bite definitely hurts - I know from personal experience!
> It's the 'Asian lady beetle' that swarms to homes and buildings in the
> fall looking for winter shelter. Oh, the 'Asian lady beetle' will cause
> a stink/odor if they're crushed, so it's best to use a vacuum to get rid
> of them.

True about the stink. If any manage to get out of the basement into the
living area, the cats won't even try to kill them. Any they'll usually
go after anything that gets in.