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Attracting
Beneficial Insects
Ladybug, ladybug fly
away home? No, ask her to stay! Ladybugs and most other insects
do not feed on or harm plants. Many are just passing through or
have harmless habits. Beneficial insects help in a variety of ways.
Some are flower pollinators, others feed on or are parasites of
insects we consider pests.
Ladybugs, spiders, and
beetles are just a few of the many helpful insects. Bees and butterflies
are pollinators. Predator species eat their prey and include praying
mantis and ladybugs. Many tiny species of wasps and flies are parasites
that lay eggs in the larvae of other insects and then feed on them
when they hatch.
There are a number of
ways in which you can encourage beneficial insects to your yard,
porch, or balcony.
Provide:
Food. Plant pollen
and nectar plants to attract beneficial insects. Once the adults
are attracted to a garden they are likely to stay and lay their
eggs there. The small flowers of dill, parsley, caraway, catnip,
lemon balm, thyme, and other herbs provide food for tiny parasites
that might drown in the nectar of larger flowers. Some attractive
flowering plants that provide a source of either nectar, pollen,
or both include daisies, alyssum, marigolds, and salvia.
Shelter. Leave
some leaf litter or provide mulch for your garden beds or potted
plants. Mulch not only helps to retain moisture but also provides
a place for insects to hide and a place to escape from the heat
on a hot sunny day.
Water. Bird baths
or small shallow containers can provide a source of water for insects.
This is especially important during dry weather. Change the water
in the containers every 2-3 days to discourage mosquitoes from breeding
in standing water. Sticks or pebbles placed in the water serve as
perches for insects so they won't drown.
If possible, grow a variety
of plants to support a variety of insects. Don't use chemicals.
If you must apply pesticides, try using something less toxic such
as insecticidal soap. Pesticides can harm or kill beneficial insects
along with the pests.
Remembering to provide
for the beneficial insects may not solve all of your pest problems,
but it should be a big help. Who knows, you may discover the variety
of insects visiting your plants to be as fascinating as the plants
themselves!
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