Beneficial Garden Insects
Using larval and adult predatory insects (such as Ladybugs and Mantids) to target unwanted pests is highly recommended over the use of pesticides!
Encouraging Predatory Insects:
If you have pests present in the garden don’t panic! Planting a forage garden will attract a nearby predator to stop by for a snack. Providing habitat rich in nectar and pollen for beneficial insects will help keep pest populations under control.
Making a Forage Garden:
-Planting a mix of annual, perennial, and flowering shrubs in a diverse range of colors, shapes, sizes, heights, and growth patterns will help to attract a variety of beneficial insects.
-Include native plant species to provide reliable, low maintenance forage and habitat. Grouping the same plant in a block creates a desirable insectary, as many pollinators feed on one species at a time. Native wildflowers are perfect for this.
-Aim for diversity. Planning for a continuous succession of blooming times, along with color and flower shape diversity provides valuable nectar and pollen that will keep beneficial insects nearby year-round.
-Be a little messy! Small branches, fallen leaves, and left behind plant debris placed onto garden beds will create critical protection and habitat for long-lived insects, such as ladybugs, to overwinter.
-At a minimum, plant a 4x4’ patch for a small garden, or for a larger farm, 5-10% of the overall cultivated land, or an insectary row every 100’ among crops to encourage a great insect ecosystem. In orchards, sow or plant forage underneath the trees, or between rows. Generally, you want to create a predatory insect habitat close to the crops that need the most protection.
-Provide water: Shallow pools, small watering stations, bird baths, and non-chlorinated fountains with good sun exposure provide an accessible drinking water source. Remember to include rocks, marbles, or water plants for insects to land on to prevent drowning.
Helpful Resources for Natural Pest Control:
https://xerces.org/blog/leave-the-leaves
http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/pest-control/plants-to-attract-beneficial-insects-zl0z1005zvau
http://modernfarmer.com/2015/06/how-to-attract-beneficial-bugs/ https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/attract-praying-mantis.htm#sthash.5hKmHxHA.dpuf
http://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/K-12/NewsViews/Pages/Nematodes.aspx
https://www.thoughtco.com/praying-mantid-facts-1968525 https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/archive/farmscaping2015.html http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/Neoseiulus_californicus.htm