How Do You Use Beneficial Insects In An Organic Garden?
We’ve probably all seen Ladybugs eat Aphids. We recognize Ladybugs as beneficial insects, but did you know there are a host of other beneficial insects and biological controls that can be used in organic pest control? Lacewing larvae, Praying Mantis, beneficial nematodes, and others are available from commercial suppliers. Even if you are not an organic gardener, you may be just looking to reduce the use of chemical pesticides in your garden. Follow the steps below to make the best use of ‘good bugs’. Check plants once or twice a week to see when insect pests have arrived, how many plants are affected, and the size of the infestation. Check to see if beneficial insects are already hard at work. Determine the species of pest insect and the beneficial insect countermeasure. Learn the pest insect’s life cycle from egg, larvae, to adult to assist in identification of pest and potential predator insects. Make sure the variety of beneficial insect purchased will do well in your location. (Th
