| 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. 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 |
|
Beneficial Bug
|
Type of Insect
|
Additional Facts
|
Kills These Bad Bugs
|
|
Lacewing
|
Predator |
Adults are about 3/8 inch long. Their delicate wings easily identify them. |
Aphids, thrips, lice and other larvae |
|
Ladybug or Ladybeetle
|
Predator |
The larvae resemble alligators and are just as ravenous as adult beetles. |
Aphids, thrips, tree lice and other larvae |
|
Praying Mantis
|
Predator |
Fascinating
to observe, the praying mantis can grow up to four inches long.
There is much debate about keeping praying mantis since they will
eat anything, including their own kind. |
Eats anything - flies, beetles, caterpillars, crickets and grasshoppers |
|
Tachinid Fly
|
Parasitic |
Similar to a house fly, only hairier, tachinids tend to stay near plants, not people. |
Moths, bean and potato beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, cutworms |
|
Trichogramma Wasp
|
Parasitic |
Don't let the word wasp scare you — this species is too microscopic
to see but is a valuable control. |
Worm larvae, borers, webworms, leafworms and cutworms |
|
Soldier Beetle
|
Predator |
About 1/2 inch long, they resemble lightning bugs. |
Caterpillars, bean and potato beetles |
|
Ground Beetle
|
Predator |
Up to 1-inch long, with black or brown shells. They like to hide under
yard debris and loose bark. There are many varieties and shapes – the common ground beetle is shown. |
Cutworms, maggots, snails and slugs |
|
Assassin Bug
|
Predator |
Earns
its name by sneaking up on and attacking its prey. Assassins are
up to 1-inch long and are identified by their long head and curved
beak. They can also inflict a painful bite on humans. |
Mosquitoes, flies, caterpillars, beetles and anything else that moves. |
|
|
|
|
|
If you are not satisfied with the service we provide, we will make it right. Guaranteed.
|
|
 |
Click the button below to sign up for valuable offers and free, COOL informative newsletters for all do-it-yourselfers.
|
|
|
