Home Gardener
In the world of garden insects, there are pests and there are predators. The pests feed on the plants and cause all sorts of problems from superficial damage to deformed plants and fruits to even death of the plants. If left unchecked these pests would devour our plants and we would see a very different world. We are lucky that nature has provided us with a normal set of checks and balances. Wherever there are pests, there also are predators and this is what defines beneficial insects. They are nature’s way of controlling pest populations.
There are a number of steps that will help you succeed in using these beneficial insects and reducing the world’s dependence on chemical pesticides.
1.) First, you must monitor your garden. Check your plants so you know when pests are present and at what infestation levels.
2.) Be sure to identify the pests as without proper identification of the pest problem you will not be able to find a solution. Furthermore, if you don’t know the difference between good bugs (predators) and bad bugs (pests) you may be actually destroying some good bugs.
3.) Once the problem has been defined, now you can add beneficial insects to cure the problem. It is always harder to cure a heavy infestation that treating the problem when it first occurs. Wherever the infestation levels, apply enough beneficial insects to control the pest problem. If there is any question about how many beneficial insects to use, remember, more is better.
4.) Finally, create an environment that is suitable for beneficial insects. Good bugs can be attracted to your garden and one of the easiest methods to attract them is by use of companion planting. These plants provide shelter and breeding areas for beneficial insects.
Products
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1. Aphid Destroyers – Ladybugs (Hippodamia convergens)
2. Lawn and Garden Pest Destroyer -- Nematodes
3. Soil Pest Destroyer -- Nematodes
4. Fungus Gnat Destroyer – Hypoaspis miles
5. Thrips Destroyer – Amblyseius cucumeris
6. Spidermite Destroyer – Persimilis
7. Mealy Bug Destroyer – Cryptolaemus
8. Preying Mantids
9. Safe-Green Nematodes -- Steinernema Carpocapsae
