<h1>Something has been munching on my cabbage and was moving into my brussels sprouts.</h1>

There wasn't any obvious evidence of what it was, at least in the daytime. No eggs on the underside of leaves, no shiny slime trails, no nuthin'... only the ever-more raggedy leaves were proof something was feasting when I wasn't looking. So Friday night, I went out with my flashlight to see if I could figure out what attacking. 

That did the trick. I discovered it was massive numbers of earwigs. A little bit of research confirmed the fact that I'd built the little darlings a 5-star spa with the mulch and provided a buffet with the veggie buckets. The recent rain boosted their gathering in the damp, dark area in and under the mulch. 

The cabbage was the main draw, but the sprouts were a heavy favorite, coming in second. Thankfully, they haven't been into the peas or beans much and have left the pepper, tomato and zucchini alone. Maybe they were saving them for later...

http://i.imgur.com/fZ3gaMx.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UgnHrwj.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/yUqjN1Z.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/7gm36Mt.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/PEBvwbi.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/RoVGqHi.jpg

***
<center><h2>My weapon of choice - [Diatomaceous Earth](http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/degen.html).</h2></center> 

http://i.imgur.com/VWbzPIb.jpg

><h1>What is diatomaceous earth?</h1>
>Diatomaceous earth is made from the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. Their skeletons are made of a natural substance called silica. Over a long period of time, diatoms accumulated in the sediment of rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans. Today, silica deposits are mined from these areas. 
><h1>How does it work?</h1>
>Diatomaceous earth is not poisonous; it does not have to be eaten in order to be effective. Diatomaceous earth causes insects to dry out and die by absorbing the oils and fats from the cuticle of the insect's exoskeleton. Its sharp edges are abrasive, speeding up the process. It remains effective as long as it is kept dry and undisturbed. 
[source](http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/degen.html)

Not having a mechanical duster, I improvised and used baggies. To apply the powder at the base of the containers, I clipped the corner off and used a clothespin to seal the hole so I could fill the bag. Basically, I used it like a cake decorating tool. Point 'n shoot! Worked liked a charm!

Next, as an overall treatment, I used another baggie that I'd poked holes in with a fork. I kept the holes more toward the bottom of the bag. In effect, it was a low-tech duster. I had a steady wind from the south, so when I shook the bag, the breeze did a wide, even distribution over the whole area. Looked like snow! 

http://i.imgur.com/8rqE6nm.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/G81FbjY.jpg
***

Even though the earwigs have left everything else alone, I included all the buckets and the bin in the treatment. I don't know that they'd migrate if I'd left them untreated, but I'm not taking that chance. Besides, who knows what else might decide to show up in the future. 

This is the ounce of prevention to go with the pound of cure.

http://i.imgur.com/B3NTW4R.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/AotEzKl.jpg

We did have rain most of last night and I was concerned it had washed away my efforts. This morning I was pleased to see most of the DE was still in place at ground level. The dusting on the leaves was diminished, but even some of that is left. I'll probably do another dusting tonight to replace what melted. Even so, the residue will have washed down to the soil level in the buckets for a little more protection. 
***
<center><h2>Come 'n get it, fellas!</h2></center>
https://youtu.be/eRbqu-7R-1I

<center><h1>Stay Tuned For The Next Installment - Coming Soon!</h1></center>
<center>http://www.animatedgif.net/barslines/colorbar_e0.gif</center><center><h2>RECAP:</h2></center><center><h3>It started here - [Reclaiming The Backyard Firepit](https://steemit.com/gardening/@aunt-deb/reclaiming-the-backyard-firepit).
Which turned into this - [Ragtag Garden](https://steemit.com/gardening/@aunt-deb/ragtag-garden-part-1).</center></h3><center><h3>Here's A Scorecard For Newcomers</h2></center>http://i.imgur.com/jbz7wfu.jpg?

<center>http://www.animatedgif.net/barslines/colorbar_e0.gif</center><center><h2><b>http://i.imgur.com/mLl58Nj.png<H3>Upvote, ReSteem,</b> <a href="https://steemit.com/@aunt-deb"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ej6aZqm.png?1" title="source: imgur.com" /></a><p></p>THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!</h3></center><center>http://www.animatedgif.net/barslines/colorbar_e0.gif</center>