Bugs & Butterflies

BENEFICIAL BUGS

Around summertime, insects can start taking over your garden. But before you grab the bug spray, take a closer look. Some of those six-legged creatures are beneficial insects that can be a gardener’s best friends, even helping to control those unwanted pests.

What Are Beneficial Insects?

Beneficial insects help manage pest populations in the garden. Greenhouse and orchard operators have used them to control pests for years. The key word is control--complete prevention of insect pests is not a realistic expectation. Pesticides are efficient; however, spraying eliminates not only the pests but also the beneficial insects. In addition, pesticides also require regular applications, but a population of good bugs provides ongoing pest control service.

Beneficial insects operate by one of three methods:

Predators control insect pests by feeding on them. Some predators eat hundreds of pests in a single day. Parasitic insects lay their eggs in, on, or near their chosen victim. Their larvae feed on and eventually kill their host. (Gruesome, isn’t it?) Smaller numbers of pests are destroyed by parasites than predators, but the outcome is the same. Pollinators, especially bees, ensure the flowering and fruiting of the garden. Without this group’s contribution, there would be no gardens.

How Do I Get Good Bugs?

You have more good bugs than you imagine in your garden already; otherwise, your garden probably wouldn’t be there. If you want more good bugs, attract them with plants. Pollen and nectar-producing plants, especially perennials, offer shelter and food. Some examples include catnip, dill, parsley, yarrow, daisies, alyssum, cilantro, Queen Anne’s lace, thyme, clover and goldenrod. Water is also a welcome addition during hot dry times. A saucer of water with a stone placed in it for insects to rest on is a simple water source. Keep the water fresh to prevent mosquitoes.

Your six-legged mercenaries can also be purchased from specialty insect farms. They’re often shipped as eggs or larvae, so don’t expect them to pounce on the bad guys immediately. Introducing beneficial insects to your garden is a long-range remedy, not an immediate solution. It may take a few weeks for the newcomers to get busy. Even then, they may eat the pests, then die or fly away. Ideally, they will eat the pests, stick around and raise a family, beginning a resident population.

Follow the supplier’s instructions carefully to ensure the most efficient time and method for establishing your new residents.

Beneficial insects help in the battle against garden pests, but don’t expect complete eradication of the enemy. In spite of your efforts, occasional spraying may be necessary.

Common Beneficial Insects - Lacewing, Ladybug, Praying Mantis, Tachinid Fly, Wasp, Soldier Beetle, Ground Beetle, Bee, Assassin Bug.

"She sat down in a weed patch, her elbows on her knees, and kept her eyes on the small mysterious world of the ground. In the shade and sun of grass blade forests, small living things had their metropolis." - Nancy Price