Mole Catching, 16 Dec 2008
We found that not a lot is written about the mole, but we were delighted to find several books at Amazon, among them this one. It is very informative and as environmentally friendly farmers catching moles has become a way of life on a daily basis. We appreciate that the mole airiates the land and has its own life to live, but we would prefer he did it where he didn't make a mess of the meadows.
So we have sought various ways to capture him without harming him over the years, but still never knew enough about this little creature. Therefore we purchased this book and one called Animal Neighbours The Mole, and have found both to be thoroughly informative and we would recommend both books to people who, like us, up until now, know very little about the mole other than he makes a mess of one's lawn.
Incidently, a whacker plate, used for pounding chunks of limestone into small pieces is very effective to shift moles out of the garden, you may give him a thumping headache, but we would recommend it over Jasper Carrot's idea of hanging upside down and suspended from a tree with a shotgun in the middle of the night! However, other than using either of these two ideas to catch a mole, buy this book!

Mole Catching, 16 Dec 2008
We found that not a lot is written about the mole, but we were delighted to find several books at Amazon, among them this one. It is very informative and as environmentally friendly farmers catching moles has become a way of life on a daily basis. We appreciate that the mole airiates the land and has its own life to live, but we would prefer he did it where he didn't make a mess of the meadows.
So we have sought various ways to capture him without harming him over the years, but still never knew enough about this little creature. Therefore we purchased this book and one called Animal Neighbours The Mole, and have found both to be thoroughly informative and we would recommend both books to people who, like us, up until now, know very little about the mole other than he makes a mess of one's lawn.
Incidently, a whacker plate, used for pounding chunks of limestone into small pieces is very effective to shift moles out of the garden, you may give him a thumping headache, but we would recommend it over Jasper Carrot's idea of hanging upside down and suspended from a tree with a shotgun in the middle of the night! However, other than using either of these two ideas to catch a mole, buy this book!

Lots of good information and ideas., 19 Feb 2004
It may be a bit of a strange thing to say - but I actually enjoyed reading this book. Lots of good information and ideas. Just have to put some of them into practice now.

Mole Catching, 16 Dec 2008
We found that not a lot is written about the mole, but we were delighted to find several books at Amazon, among them this one. It is very informative and as environmentally friendly farmers catching moles has become a way of life on a daily basis. We appreciate that the mole airiates the land and has its own life to live, but we would prefer he did it where he didn't make a mess of the meadows.
So we have sought various ways to capture him without harming him over the years, but still never knew enough about this little creature. Therefore we purchased this book and one called Animal Neighbours The Mole, and have found both to be thoroughly informative and we would recommend both books to people who, like us, up until now, know very little about the mole other than he makes a mess of one's lawn.
Incidently, a whacker plate, used for pounding chunks of limestone into small pieces is very effective to shift moles out of the garden, you may give him a thumping headache, but we would recommend it over Jasper Carrot's idea of hanging upside down and suspended from a tree with a shotgun in the middle of the night! However, other than using either of these two ideas to catch a mole, buy this book!

Lots of good information and ideas., 19 Feb 2004
It may be a bit of a strange thing to say - but I actually enjoyed reading this book. Lots of good information and ideas. Just have to put some of them into practice now.

It does exactly what it says on the tin, 14 Dec 2005
Any book on pests is not something which you want to spend very long reading, so I was delighted when i found this little book which gives me all the info I need about how to deal with pests (organically) that are having a good munch on the plants and vegetables in my garden.

As well as telling you all about the bad insects, it also tells you about the good insects that will help act as a deterent.

The price is also refreshingly good. They only cost £2.99! Frankly, if I'm not going to spend much time reading it, I certainly don't want to be paying lots for it!

Mole Catching, 16 Dec 2008
We found that not a lot is written about the mole, but we were delighted to find several books at Amazon, among them this one. It is very informative and as environmentally friendly farmers catching moles has become a way of life on a daily basis. We appreciate that the mole airiates the land and has its own life to live, but we would prefer he did it where he didn't make a mess of the meadows.
So we have sought various ways to capture him without harming him over the years, but still never knew enough about this little creature. Therefore we purchased this book and one called Animal Neighbours The Mole, and have found both to be thoroughly informative and we would recommend both books to people who, like us, up until now, know very little about the mole other than he makes a mess of one's lawn.
Incidently, a whacker plate, used for pounding chunks of limestone into small pieces is very effective to shift moles out of the garden, you may give him a thumping headache, but we would recommend it over Jasper Carrot's idea of hanging upside down and suspended from a tree with a shotgun in the middle of the night! However, other than using either of these two ideas to catch a mole, buy this book!

Lots of good information and ideas., 19 Feb 2004
It may be a bit of a strange thing to say - but I actually enjoyed reading this book. Lots of good information and ideas. Just have to put some of them into practice now.

It does exactly what it says on the tin, 14 Dec 2005
Any book on pests is not something which you want to spend very long reading, so I was delighted when i found this little book which gives me all the info I need about how to deal with pests (organically) that are having a good munch on the plants and vegetables in my garden.

As well as telling you all about the bad insects, it also tells you about the good insects that will help act as a deterent.

The price is also refreshingly good. They only cost £2.99! Frankly, if I'm not going to spend much time reading it, I certainly don't want to be paying lots for it!

Not just for wine lovers - a true scientific whodunit, 31 Dec 2004
Phylloxera are tiny insects, native to the USA, which attack vines. They are almost invisible to the naked eye. While one variety of phylloxera attacks vine leaves, it is the second variety which poses a far more destructive threat. It attacks the roots. It can take up to ten years before the vine is actually killed.

In the 1860s, wine was rapidly growing in popularity; vineyards were being established on a worldwide scale, with Australia and the US beginning to break into the international market. For the first time, vines were being transported across the oceans in significant numbers as breeders tried to improve the various strains.

And in 1863, the small yellow louse known as phylloxera hitched a lift and invaded France, the country which saw itself as the home of wine. The French wine industry was almost destroyed. Frantic efforts were launched to find a solution. Finally, it was realised that native American rootstocks were resistant to assault, and that it was possible to graft European vines to them.

Problem solved? Not quite. Phylloxera are resilient little pests ... and they are still at work. They're now attacking vineyards in California, South America, and New Zealand. Replanting is expensive - and it can take ten years for a vine to produce quality grapes and become economically viable.

Christy Campbell tells the story with artistry and humour. In the end, it's not just a tale of wine, it's not just a piece of history. This is one of the earliest warnings of how vulnerable human society can be to even the tiniest of insects. In an era of globalisation, we may yet be opening ourselves up to global attack by new strains of insect or bacteria.

Fascinating, highly readable book which should appeal to the wine lover, the historian, or anyone who likes a good mystery ... or a well written analysis.

Mole Catching, 16 Dec 2008
We found that not a lot is written about the mole, but we were delighted to find several books at Amazon, among them this one. It is very informative and as environmentally friendly farmers catching moles has become a way of life on a daily basis. We appreciate that the mole airiates the land and has its own life to live, but we would prefer he did it where he didn't make a mess of the meadows.
So we have sought various ways to capture him without harming him over the years, but still never knew enough about this little creature. Therefore we purchased this book and one called Animal Neighbours The Mole, and have found both to be thoroughly informative and we would recommend both books to people who, like us, up until now, know very little about the mole other than he makes a mess of one's lawn.
Incidently, a whacker plate, used for pounding chunks of limestone into small pieces is very effective to shift moles out of the garden, you may give him a thumping headache, but we would recommend it over Jasper Carrot's idea of hanging upside down and suspended from a tree with a shotgun in the middle of the night! However, other than using either of these two ideas to catch a mole, buy this book!

Lots of good information and ideas., 19 Feb 2004
It may be a bit of a strange thing to say - but I actually enjoyed reading this book. Lots of good information and ideas. Just have to put some of them into practice now.

It does exactly what it says on the tin, 14 Dec 2005
Any book on pests is not something which you want to spend very long reading, so I was delighted when i found this little book which gives me all the info I need about how to deal with pests (organically) that are having a good munch on the plants and vegetables in my garden.

As well as telling you all about the bad insects, it also tells you about the good insects that will help act as a deterent.

The price is also refreshingly good. They only cost £2.99! Frankly, if I'm not going to spend much time reading it, I certainly don't want to be paying lots for it!

Not just for wine lovers - a true scientific whodunit, 31 Dec 2004
Phylloxera are tiny insects, native to the USA, which attack vines. They are almost invisible to the naked eye. While one variety of phylloxera attacks vine leaves, it is the second variety which poses a far more destructive threat. It attacks the roots. It can take up to ten years before the vine is actually killed.

In the 1860s, wine was rapidly growing in popularity; vineyards were being established on a worldwide scale, with Australia and the US beginning to break into the international market. For the first time, vines were being transported across the oceans in significant numbers as breeders tried to improve the various strains.

And in 1863, the small yellow louse known as phylloxera hitched a lift and invaded France, the country which saw itself as the home of wine. The French wine industry was almost destroyed. Frantic efforts were launched to find a solution. Finally, it was realised that native American rootstocks were resistant to assault, and that it was possible to graft European vines to them.

Problem solved? Not quite. Phylloxera are resilient little pests ... and they are still at work. They're now attacking vineyards in California, South America, and New Zealand. Replanting is expensive - and it can take ten years for a vine to produce quality grapes and become economically viable.

Christy Campbell tells the story with artistry and humour. In the end, it's not just a tale of wine, it's not just a piece of history. This is one of the earliest warnings of how vulnerable human society can be to even the tiniest of insects. In an era of globalisation, we may yet be opening ourselves up to global attack by new strains of insect or bacteria.

Fascinating, highly readable book which should appeal to the wine lover, the historian, or anyone who likes a good mystery ... or a well written analysis.

Not the best book i have read, 27 Nov 2001
This book gives alot of information on garden pest & diseases but not how to treat them. Have viewed other rhs books with alot more information that this one gives you on how to treat and cure without using sprays.

Mole Catching, 16 Dec 2008
We found that not a lot is written about the mole, but we were delighted to find several books at Amazon, among them this one. It is very informative and as environmentally friendly farmers catching moles has become a way of life on a daily basis. We appreciate that the mole airiates the land and has its own life to live, but we would prefer he did it where he didn't make a mess of the meadows.
So we have sought various ways to capture him without harming him over the years, but still never knew enough about this little creature. Therefore we purchased this book and one called Animal Neighbours The Mole, and have found both to be thoroughly informative and we would recommend both books to people who, like us, up until now, know very little about the mole other than he makes a mess of one's lawn.
Incidently, a whacker plate, used for pounding chunks of limestone into small pieces is very effective to shift moles out of the garden, you may give him a thumping headache, but we would recommend it over Jasper Carrot's idea of hanging upside down and suspended from a tree with a shotgun in the middle of the night! However, other than using either of these two ideas to catch a mole, buy this book!

Lots of good information and ideas., 19 Feb 2004
It may be a bit of a strange thing to say - but I actually enjoyed reading this book. Lots of good information and ideas. Just have to put some of them into practice now.

It does exactly what it says on the tin, 14 Dec 2005
Any book on pests is not something which you want to spend very long reading, so I was delighted when i found this little book which gives me all the info I need about how to deal with pests (organically) that are having a good munch on the plants and vegetables in my garden.

As well as telling you all about the bad insects, it also tells you about the good insects that will help act as a deterent.

The price is also refreshingly good. They only cost £2.99! Frankly, if I'm not going to spend much time reading it, I certainly don't want to be paying lots for it!

Not just for wine lovers - a true scientific whodunit, 31 Dec 2004
Phylloxera are tiny insects, native to the USA, which attack vines. They are almost invisible to the naked eye. While one variety of phylloxera attacks vine leaves, it is the second variety which poses a far more destructive threat. It attacks the roots. It can take up to ten years before the vine is actually killed.

In the 1860s, wine was rapidly growing in popularity; vineyards were being established on a worldwide scale, with Australia and the US beginning to break into the international market. For the first time, vines were being transported across the oceans in significant numbers as breeders tried to improve the various strains.

And in 1863, the small yellow louse known as phylloxera hitched a lift and invaded France, the country which saw itself as the home of wine. The French wine industry was almost destroyed. Frantic efforts were launched to find a solution. Finally, it was realised that native American rootstocks were resistant to assault, and that it was possible to graft European vines to them.

Problem solved? Not quite. Phylloxera are resilient little pests ... and they are still at work. They're now attacking vineyards in California, South America, and New Zealand. Replanting is expensive - and it can take ten years for a vine to produce quality grapes and become economically viable.

Christy Campbell tells the story with artistry and humour. In the end, it's not just a tale of wine, it's not just a piece of history. This is one of the earliest warnings of how vulnerable human society can be to even the tiniest of insects. In an era of globalisation, we may yet be opening ourselves up to global attack by new strains of insect or bacteria.

Fascinating, highly readable book which should appeal to the wine lover, the historian, or anyone who likes a good mystery ... or a well written analysis.

Not the best book i have read, 27 Nov 2001
This book gives alot of information on garden pest & diseases but not how to treat them. Have viewed other rhs books with alot more information that this one gives you on how to treat and cure without using sprays.

Down in the alley, 05 Aug 2005
It takes a special kind of journalist to spend over a year studying something most people label "gross". Sullivan isn't a biologist or student of animal behaviour. The advantage of that is that he brought only a mild distaste to his unusual self-assignment, but few other preconceptions. He was prepared to learn, and he did. He didn't lose the distaste, but he learned much about the subterranean inhabitants of his city. He also gained some new friends - people he would likely never encounter under different circumstances. Gathered together, his subjects, their providers and pursuers - in both cases you and your neighbours - and some interesting history into a book of compelling interest.

Studying city rats requires adapting your life to theirs. They are nocturnal animals, so Sullivan left his wife and family at the TV while he ventured into a New York City alley. The alley turned out to have something besides large, hungry rodents. Sullivan dug into city records to determine why the alley is bent - giving it two names. He learned to watch the rats with binoculars and night-vision goggles. He must have made a fascinating sight on his little camp stool gazing into the darkness. He didn't have to bring them treats. The bars and restaurants in the neighbourhood were ample providers. With a varied buffet available, the rats proved fussy eaters. Sullivan is actually able to list preferred and disdained foods - all our garbage.

In studying city history, Sullivan is able to provide some history of "pest control" in New York City and elsewhere. He explains why "exterminator" is a term now out of fashion, replaced by "pest control" and other euphemisms. "Extermination" isn't possible with rats. Some always survive assaults on their numbers. When the numbers drop, replacements move in with alacrity. Numbers are an interesting issue in his account. "One human, one rat" is a battle cry when launching campaigns to eliminate rats. Sullivan shows how invalid that assumption is. It isn't the numbers that are significant, so much as the rats' intelligence and adaptability. Among their talents are the ability to gnaw through concrete and steel, and to dive down a hole no bigger than their skull. A set of strong jaws and teeth is applied to the first ability and a flexible skeleton permits the second.

The underlying theme is this book is more practical than simple description. Both species of rats, the Norway and the Black, are urban residents. They have adapted to living alongside humans who feed their gluttony with garbage. They can never be eliminated, and the "pest controllers" can only seal off some access holes, poison a few individuals or, in extreme cases, shoot one or two. Poisoning, which can be just as harmful to humans or pets, has limitations. Sullivan, and some of his contacts are quite clear about the way to reduce the rat population in New York City. Plastic garbage bags have proven a blessing for rats who can penetrate them easily. Chucking a bag from a back door often splits them, giving the rats immediate access. Rat control was actually better when metal trash bins were in use, but the sanitation workers objected to their weight.

If there's a fault to this book, it's Sullivan's failure to view some other rat habitats. Milwaukee is hardly exotic shores. There are societies that find rats a good source of protein. While this might not appeal to New Yorkers, it is a reality. His subtitle, "the city", would be all-inclusive, did the cover art not give away the limitation. Sullivan is a lively and able writer [even if he can't spell "Eniwetok"] and keeps your interest through every ratty adventure. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

Mole Catching, 16 Dec 2008
We found that not a lot is written about the mole, but we were delighted to find several books at Amazon, among them this one. It is very informative and as environmentally friendly farmers catching moles has become a way of life on a daily basis. We appreciate that the mole airiates the land and has its own life to live, but we would prefer he did it where he didn't make a mess of the meadows.
So we have sought various ways to capture him without harming him over the years, but still never knew enough about this little creature. Therefore we purchased this book and one called Animal Neighbours The Mole, and have found both to be thoroughly informative and we would recommend both books to people who, like us, up until now, know very little about the mole other than he makes a mess of one's lawn.
Incidently, a whacker plate, used for pounding chunks of limestone into small pieces is very effective to shift moles out of the garden, you may give him a thumping headache, but we would recommend it over Jasper Carrot's idea of hanging upside down and suspended from a tree with a shotgun in the middle of the night! However, other than using either of these two ideas to catch a mole, buy this book!

Lots of good information and ideas., 19 Feb 2004
It may be a bit of a strange thing to say - but I actually enjoyed reading this book. Lots of good information and ideas. Just have to put some of them into practice now.

It does exactly what it says on the tin, 14 Dec 2005
Any book on pests is not something which you want to spend very long reading, so I was delighted when i found this little book which gives me all the info I need about how to deal with pests (organically) that are having a good munch on the plants and vegetables in my garden.

As well as telling you all about the bad insects, it also tells you about the good insects that will help act as a deterent.

The price is also refreshingly good. They only cost £2.99! Frankly, if I'm not going to spend much time reading it, I certainly don't want to be paying lots for it!

Not just for wine lovers - a true scientific whodunit, 31 Dec 2004
Phylloxera are tiny insects, native to the USA, which attack vines. They are almost invisible to the naked eye. While one variety of phylloxera attacks vine leaves, it is the second variety which poses a far more destructive threat. It attacks the roots. It can take up to ten years before the vine is actually killed.

In the 1860s, wine was rapidly growing in popularity; vineyards were being established on a worldwide scale, with Australia and the US beginning to break into the international market. For the first time, vines were being transported across the oceans in significant numbers as breeders tried to improve the various strains.

And in 1863, the small yellow louse known as phylloxera hitched a lift and invaded France, the country which saw itself as the home of wine. The French wine industry was almost destroyed. Frantic efforts were launched to find a solution. Finally, it was realised that native American rootstocks were resistant to assault, and that it was possible to graft European vines to them.

Problem solved? Not quite. Phylloxera are resilient little pests ... and they are still at work. They're now attacking vineyards in California, South America, and New Zealand. Replanting is expensive - and it can take ten years for a vine to produce quality grapes and become economically viable.

Christy Campbell tells the story with artistry and humour. In the end, it's not just a tale of wine, it's not just a piece of history. This is one of the earliest warnings of how vulnerable human society can be to even the tiniest of insects. In an era of globalisation, we may yet be opening ourselves up to global attack by new strains of insect or bacteria.

Fascinating, highly readable book which should appeal to the wine lover, the historian, or anyone who likes a good mystery ... or a well written analysis.

Not the best book i have read, 27 Nov 2001
This book gives alot of information on garden pest & diseases but not how to treat them. Have viewed other rhs books with alot more information that this one gives you on how to treat and cure without using sprays.

Down in the alley, 05 Aug 2005
It takes a special kind of journalist to spend over a year studying something most people label "gross". Sullivan isn't a biologist or student of animal behaviour. The advantage of that is that he brought only a mild distaste to his unusual self-assignment, but few other preconceptions. He was prepared to learn, and he did. He didn't lose the distaste, but he learned much about the subterranean inhabitants of his city. He also gained some new friends - people he would likely never encounter under different circumstances. Gathered together, his subjects, their providers and pursuers - in both cases you and your neighbours - and some interesting history into a book of compelling interest.

Studying city rats requires adapting your life to theirs. They are nocturnal animals, so Sullivan left his wife and family at the TV while he ventured into a New York City alley. The alley turned out to have something besides large, hungry rodents. Sullivan dug into city records to determine why the alley is bent - giving it two names. He learned to watch the rats with binoculars and night-vision goggles. He must have made a fascinating sight on his little camp stool gazing into the darkness. He didn't have to bring them treats. The bars and restaurants in the neighbourhood were ample providers. With a varied buffet available, the rats proved fussy eaters. Sullivan is actually able to list preferred and disdained foods - all our garbage.

In studying city history, Sullivan is able to provide some history of "pest control" in New York City and elsewhere. He explains why "exterminator" is a term now out of fashion, replaced by "pest control" and other euphemisms. "Extermination" isn't possible with rats. Some always survive assaults on their numbers. When the numbers drop, replacements move in with alacrity. Numbers are an interesting issue in his account. "One human, one rat" is a battle cry when launching campaigns to eliminate rats. Sullivan shows how invalid that assumption is. It isn't the numbers that are significant, so much as the rats' intelligence and adaptability. Among their talents are the ability to gnaw through concrete and steel, and to dive down a hole no bigger than their skull. A set of strong jaws and teeth is applied to the first ability and a flexible skeleton permits the second.

The underlying theme is this book is more practical than simple description. Both species of rats, the Norway and the Black, are urban residents. They have adapted to living alongside humans who feed their gluttony with garbage. They can never be eliminated, and the "pest controllers" can only seal off some access holes, poison a few individuals or, in extreme cases, shoot one or two. Poisoning, which can be just as harmful to humans or pets, has limitations. Sullivan, and some of his contacts are quite clear about the way to reduce the rat population in New York City. Plastic garbage bags have proven a blessing for rats who can penetrate them easily. Chucking a bag from a back door often splits them, giving the rats immediate access. Rat control was actually better when metal trash bins were in use, but the sanitation workers objected to their weight.

If there's a fault to this book, it's Sullivan's failure to view some other rat habitats. Milwaukee is hardly exotic shores. There are societies that find rats a good source of protein. While this might not appeal to New Yorkers, it is a reality. His subtitle, "the city", would be all-inclusive, did the cover art not give away the limitation. Sullivan is a lively and able writer [even if he can't spell "Eniwetok"] and keeps your interest through every ratty adventure. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

Little book of slugs, 28 Nov 2002
This book is absolutely fantastic, every gardener should have one, ther are lots of lovely anecdotes , you'll laugh with this book and pick some great ideas how to deter the dreaded slug from your plants without using pellets.
I think its a must for every household

Mole Catching, 16 Dec 2008
We found that not a lot is written about the mole, but we were delighted to find several books at Amazon, among them this one. It is very informative and as environmentally friendly farmers catching moles has become a way of life on a daily basis. We appreciate that the mole airiates the land and has its own life to live, but we would prefer he did it where he didn't make a mess of the meadows.
So we have sought various ways to capture him without harming him over the years, but still never knew enough about this little creature. Therefore we purchased this book and one called Animal Neighbours The Mole, and have found both to be thoroughly informative and we would recommend both books to people who, like us, up until now, know very little about the mole other than he makes a mess of one's lawn.
Incidently, a whacker plate, used for pounding chunks of limestone into small pieces is very effective to shift moles out of the garden, you may give him a thumping headache, but we would recommend it over Jasper Carrot's idea of hanging upside down and suspended from a tree with a shotgun in the middle of the night! However, other than using either of these two ideas to catch a mole, buy this book!

Lots of good information and ideas., 19 Feb 2004
It may be a bit of a strange thing to say - but I actually enjoyed reading this book. Lots of good information and ideas. Just have to put some of them into practice now.

It does exactly what it says on the tin, 14 Dec 2005
Any book on pests is not something which you want to spend very long reading, so I was delighted when i found this little book which gives me all the info I need about how to deal with pests (organically) that are having a good munch on the plants and vegetables in my garden.

As well as telling you all about the bad insects, it also tells you about the good insects that will help act as a deterent.

The price is also refreshingly good. They only cost £2.99! Frankly, if I'm not going to spend much time reading it, I certainly don't want to be paying lots for it!

Not just for wine lovers - a true scientific whodunit, 31 Dec 2004
Phylloxera are tiny insects, native to the USA, which attack vines. They are almost invisible to the naked eye. While one variety of phylloxera attacks vine leaves, it is the second variety which poses a far more destructive threat. It attacks the roots. It can take up to ten years before the vine is actually killed.

In the 1860s, wine was rapidly growing in popularity; vineyards were being established on a worldwide scale, with Australia and the US beginning to break into the international market. For the first time, vines were being transported across the oceans in significant numbers as breeders tried to improve the various strains.

And in 1863, the small yellow louse known as phylloxera hitched a lift and invaded France, the country which saw itself as the home of wine. The French wine industry was almost destroyed. Frantic efforts were launched to find a solution. Finally, it was realised that native American rootstocks were resistant to assault, and that it was possible to graft European vines to them.

Problem solved? Not quite. Phylloxera are resilient little pests ... and they are still at work. They're now attacking vineyards in California, South America, and New Zealand. Replanting is expensive - and it can take ten years for a vine to produce quality grapes and become economically viable.

Christy Campbell tells the story with artistry and humour. In the end, it's not just a tale of wine, it's not just a piece of history. This is one of the earliest warnings of how vulnerable human society can be to even the tiniest of insects. In an era of globalisation, we may yet be opening ourselves up to global attack by new strains of insect or bacteria.

Fascinating, highly readable book which should appeal to the wine lover, the historian, or anyone who likes a good mystery ... or a well written analysis.

Not the best book i have read, 27 Nov 2001
This book gives alot of information on garden pest & diseases but not how to treat them. Have viewed other rhs books with alot more information that this one gives you on how to treat and cure without using sprays.

Down in the alley, 05 Aug 2005
It takes a special kind of journalist to spend over a year studying something most people label "gross". Sullivan isn't a biologist or student of animal behaviour. The advantage of that is that he brought only a mild distaste to his unusual self-assignment, but few other preconceptions. He was prepared to learn, and he did. He didn't lose the distaste, but he learned much about the subterranean inhabitants of his city. He also gained some new friends - people he would likely never encounter under different circumstances. Gathered together, his subjects, their providers and pursuers - in both cases you and your neighbours - and some interesting history into a book of compelling interest.

Studying city rats requires adapting your life to theirs. They are nocturnal animals, so Sullivan left his wife and family at the TV while he ventured into a New York City alley. The alley turned out to have something besides large, hungry rodents. Sullivan dug into city records to determine why the alley is bent - giving it two names. He learned to watch the rats with binoculars and night-vision goggles. He must have made a fascinating sight on his little camp stool gazing into the darkness. He didn't have to bring them treats. The bars and restaurants in the neighbourhood were ample providers. With a varied buffet available, the rats proved fussy eaters. Sullivan is actually able to list preferred and disdained foods - all our garbage.

In studying city history, Sullivan is able to provide some history of "pest control" in New York City and elsewhere. He explains why "exterminator" is a term now out of fashion, replaced by "pest control" and other euphemisms. "Extermination" isn't possible with rats. Some always survive assaults on their numbers. When the numbers drop, replacements move in with alacrity. Numbers are an interesting issue in his account. "One human, one rat" is a battle cry when launching campaigns to eliminate rats. Sullivan shows how invalid that assumption is. It isn't the numbers that are significant, so much as the rats' intelligence and adaptability. Among their talents are the ability to gnaw through concrete and steel, and to dive down a hole no bigger than their skull. A set of strong jaws and teeth is applied to the first ability and a flexible skeleton permits the second.

The underlying theme is this book is more practical than simple description. Both species of rats, the Norway and the Black, are urban residents. They have adapted to living alongside humans who feed their gluttony with garbage. They can never be eliminated, and the "pest controllers" can only seal off some access holes, poison a few individuals or, in extreme cases, shoot one or two. Poisoning, which can be just as harmful to humans or pets, has limitations. Sullivan, and some of his contacts are quite clear about the way to reduce the rat population in New York City. Plastic garbage bags have proven a blessing for rats who can penetrate them easily. Chucking a bag from a back door often splits them, giving the rats immediate access. Rat control was actually better when metal trash bins were in use, but the sanitation workers objected to their weight.

If there's a fault to this book, it's Sullivan's failure to view some other rat habitats. Milwaukee is hardly exotic shores. There are societies that find rats a good source of protein. While this might not appeal to New Yorkers, it is a reality. His subtitle, "the city", would be all-inclusive, did the cover art not give away the limitation. Sullivan is a lively and able writer [even if he can't spell "Eniwetok"] and keeps your interest through every ratty adventure. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

Little book of slugs, 28 Nov 2002
This book is absolutely fantastic, every gardener should have one, ther are lots of lovely anecdotes , you'll laugh with this book and pick some great ideas how to deter the dreaded slug from your plants without using pellets.
I think its a must for every household

Disappointing, 14 Feb 2008
Sorry, but this book does not help me to identify weeds.There is little consistency in the layout; Willowherbs has two reasonably clear photographs and a labelled drawing whilst Bittercress makes do with two out of focus photos. Too arty. Photos wouldn't look out of place on a birthday card.

Weeds friend or foe, 16 Oct 2002
A clearly written and brightly illustrated guide to weeds or not weeds for the gardener and wild life lover.

Giving excellent information, allowing the reader to really use the book time and time again. Clearly laid out with a exceelnt mixture of photographs and information. Providing instructions on removal, monitoring, cultivation and all the arguments for keeping or destroying plants.

I currently have the libraries copy. But i am going to buy this book. A definate for any gardener however expereinced.

Mole Catching, 16 Dec 2008
We found that not a lot is written about the mole, but we were delighted to find several books at Amazon, among them this one. It is very informative and as environmentally friendly farmers catching moles has become a way of life on a daily basis. We appreciate that the mole airiates the land and has its own life to live, but we would prefer he did it where he didn't make a mess of the meadows.
So we have sought various ways to capture him without harming him over the years, but still never knew enough about this little creature. Therefore we purchased this book and one called Animal Neighbours The Mole, and have found both to be thoroughly informative and we would recommend both books to people who, like us, up until now, know very little about the mole other than he makes a mess of one's lawn.
Incidently, a whacker plate, used for pounding chunks of limestone into small pieces is very effective to shift moles out of the garden, you may give him a thumping headache, but we would recommend it over Jasper Carrot's idea of hanging upside down and suspended from a tree with a shotgun in the middle of the night! However, other than using either of these two ideas to catch a mole, buy this book!

Lots of good information and ideas., 19 Feb 2004
It may be a bit of a strange thing to say - but I actually enjoyed reading this book. Lots of good information and ideas. Just have to put some of them into practice now.

It does exactly what it says on the tin, 14 Dec 2005
Any book on pests is not something which you want to spend very long reading, so I was delighted when i found this little book which gives me all the info I need about how to deal with pests (organically) that are having a good munch on the plants and vegetables in my garden.

As well as telling you all about the bad insects, it also tells you about the good insects that will help act as a deterent.

The price is also refreshingly good. They only cost £2.99! Frankly, if I'm not going to spend much time reading it, I certainly don't want to be paying lots for it!

Not just for wine lovers - a true scientific whodunit, 31 Dec 2004
Phylloxera are tiny insects, native to the USA, which attack vines. They are almost invisible to the naked eye. While one variety of phylloxera attacks vine leaves, it is the second variety which poses a far more destructive threat. It attacks the roots. It can take up to ten years before the vine is actually killed.

In the 1860s, wine was rapidly growing in popularity; vineyards were being established on a worldwide scale, with Australia and the US beginning to break into the international market. For the first time, vines were being transported across the oceans in significant numbers as breeders tried to improve the various strains.

And in 1863, the small yellow louse known as phylloxera hitched a lift and invaded France, the country which saw itself as the home of wine. The French wine industry was almost destroyed. Frantic efforts were launched to find a solution. Finally, it was realised that native American rootstocks were resistant to assault, and that it was possible to graft European vines to them.

Problem solved? Not quite. Phylloxera are resilient little pests ... and they are still at work. They're now attacking vineyards in California, South America, and New Zealand. Replanting is expensive - and it can take ten years for a vine to produce quality grapes and become economically viable.

Christy Campbell tells the story with artistry and humour. In the end, it's not just a tale of wine, it's not just a piece of history. This is one of the earliest warnings of how vulnerable human society can be to even the tiniest of insects. In an era of globalisation, we may yet be opening ourselves up to global attack by new strains of insect or bacteria.

Fascinating, highly readable book which should appeal to the wine lover, the historian, or anyone who likes a good mystery ... or a well written analysis.

Not the best book i have read, 27 Nov 2001
This book gives alot of information on garden pest & diseases but not how to treat them. Have viewed other rhs books with alot more information that this one gives you on how to treat and cure without using sprays.

Down in the alley, 05 Aug 2005
It takes a special kind of journalist to spend over a year studying something most people label "gross". Sullivan isn't a biologist or student of animal behaviour. The advantage of that is that he brought only a mild distaste to his unusual self-assignment, but few other preconceptions. He was prepared to learn, and he did. He didn't lose the distaste, but he learned much about the subterranean inhabitants of his city. He also gained some new friends - people he would likely never encounter under different circumstances. Gathered together, his subjects, their providers and pursuers - in both cases you and your neighbours - and some interesting history into a book of compelling interest.

Studying city rats requires adapting your life to theirs. They are nocturnal animals, so Sullivan left his wife and family at the TV while he ventured into a New York City alley. The alley turned out to have something besides large, hungry rodents. Sullivan dug into city records to determine why the alley is bent - giving it two names. He learned to watch the rats with binoculars and night-vision goggles. He must have made a fascinating sight on his little camp stool gazing into the darkness. He didn't have to bring them treats. The bars and restaurants in the neighbourhood were ample providers. With a varied buffet available, the rats proved fussy eaters. Sullivan is actually able to list preferred and disdained foods - all our garbage.

In studying city history, Sullivan is able to provide some history of "pest control" in New York City and elsewhere. He explains why "exterminator" is a term now out of fashion, replaced by "pest control" and other euphemisms. "Extermination" isn't possible with rats. Some always survive assaults on their numbers. When the numbers drop, replacements move in with alacrity. Numbers are an interesting issue in his account. "One human, one rat" is a battle cry when launching campaigns to eliminate rats. Sullivan shows how invalid that assumption is. It isn't the numbers that are significant, so much as the rats' intelligence and adaptability. Among their talents are the ability to gnaw through concrete and steel, and to dive down a hole no bigger than their skull. A set of strong jaws and teeth is applied to the first ability and a flexible skeleton permits the second.

The underlying theme is this book is more practical than simple description. Both species of rats, the Norway and the Black, are urban residents. They have adapted to living alongside humans who feed their gluttony with garbage. They can never be eliminated, and the "pest controllers" can only seal off some access holes, poison a few individuals or, in extreme cases, shoot one or two. Poisoning, which can be just as harmful to humans or pets, has limitations. Sullivan, and some of his contacts are quite clear about the way to reduce the rat population in New York City. Plastic garbage bags have proven a blessing for rats who can penetrate them easily. Chucking a bag from a back door often splits them, giving the rats immediate access. Rat control was actually better when metal trash bins were in use, but the sanitation workers objected to their weight.

If there's a fault to this book, it's Sullivan's failure to view some other rat habitats. Milwaukee is hardly exotic shores. There are societies that find rats a good source of protein. While this might not appeal to New Yorkers, it is a reality. His subtitle, "the city", would be all-inclusive, did the cover art not give away the limitation. Sullivan is a lively and able writer [even if he can't spell "Eniwetok"] and keeps your interest through every ratty adventure. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

Little book of slugs, 28 Nov 2002
This book is absolutely fantastic, every gardener should have one, ther are lots of lovely anecdotes , you'll laugh with this book and pick some great ideas how to deter the dreaded slug from your plants without using pellets.
I think its a must for every household

Disappointing, 14 Feb 2008
Sorry, but this book does not help me to identify weeds.There is little consistency in the layout; Willowherbs has two reasonably clear photographs and a labelled drawing whilst Bittercress makes do with two out of focus photos. Too arty. Photos wouldn't look out of place on a birthday card.

Weeds friend or foe, 16 Oct 2002
A clearly written and brightly illustrated guide to weeds or not weeds for the gardener and wild life lover.

Giving excellent information, allowing the reader to really use the book time and time again. Clearly laid out with a exceelnt mixture of photographs and information. Providing instructions on removal, monitoring, cultivation and all the arguments for keeping or destroying plants.

I currently have the libraries copy. But i am going to buy this book. A definate for any gardener however expereinced.

A COMPLETE AND NATURAL SOLUTION TO GARDEN PESTS, 12 Jun 1999
I read the entire book from cover to cover with a highlighter in hand. I could not stop reading (and highlighting). This book was exactly what I was searching for. A complete and natural guide to ridding my garden of those pesky pests. I have used many of Loren's "receipes" and can honestly say they work. I would and do recommend this book to anyone who has a love for gardening, a love for nature, and a hate for destructive pests who get in the way.

An excellent resource!, 14 May 1999
I listened to Loren's tips for years on television. It is nice to have so many of them compiled in one handy resource. The tips contained are cost-effective, easy to use, and far better for people and the enviroment. Highly recommended!