Bug, Slugs, & Other Thugs: Controlling Garden Pests Organically

Straightforward in manner, Hart ( You Can Carve Fantastic Jack-O-Lanterns ) concerns herself here with outdoor pests only (including deer, bears and--a bit cutely--kids). She describes the pest, its habits and life cycle, garden targets and deterrents (barriers, sprays, repellants, traps). There's a chapter on rodents, another on ``big game'' and one on bugs alone, which includes information on how to cultivate a healthy garden (soil and plants). Also provided is a handy chart of fruits and vegetables and the many and varied insect and non-insect pests that can plague them. A very welcome chapter on birds (the great predators of bugs) and how to attract the right ones, along with beneficial insects, flies and other animals (e.g., ferrets, snakes and toads) enhance this book's usefulness. Illustrations. Rodale's Organic Gardening Book Club main selection, Garden Book Club and Literary Guild alternate selections. (July)