Beneficial Insect Overview

~ By Gardnbee ~

In an undisturbed pattern of co-existence, all life forms within Nature work in harmony with one another. This can be seen in the natural garden where no human intervention has caused imbalance and where a variety of life from plants to insects, birds to animals contribute to the overall landscape while working toward the common goal of survival in a beneficial manner.

Working with Nature the Gardener learns early on that within this Realm a hierarchy exists regarding the food chain of plants, plant eaters and those who eat the plant eaters. When even one element is stressed or interfered with then the whole system becomes affected as do all other realms wherein this altered state's effect influences the broader spectrum.

If plants, for example, are depleted then plant eaters lack sufficient food, starve and die out. If there are not enough plant eaters then the populations of those that eat them expand and start consuming plants until there are no plants left. Of course this will never do, since we humans are also Plant Eaters. So what can be done to help maintain the harmony of co-existence in our Gardens?

One of the best things a gardener can do for their garden is to encourage this natural system because a garden full of various insects is a boon instead of a headache when many of those insects are beneficial.

The absolute most important consideration in this regard is to use no poisonous chemicals what-so-ever, none, period. Diversity in having many types of plants, particularly flowers and herbs is a must when attracting and keeping Beneficial Insects whether they are predator or parasite as these supply much needed nectar, pollen, rest stops and breeding areas.

Mix up your vegetation when planting so plants that draw these beneficial insects are situated among those that need their protection. Another consideration is humidity as many of these garden allies are tiny and lose their precious body moisture quickly. Their habitat should be humid enough to prevent dehydration while at the same time keeping them active. This can be simply achieved by placing plants close together to create a shaded but moist microenvironment and in extremely hot weather a little misting or constant drip irrigation will also encourage moisture levels.

If you do a search on the internet, you will soon discover many sites offering Beneficial Insects for purchase but before proceeding make sure you target your pest problems. Although many predators have a wide array of hosts, some are very specific and if their hosts are not present they either relocate or die.

Short List of Some Beneficial Insects

Beetles: Ground Beetle; Ladybird Beetle; Soldier Beetle and Tiger Beetle

Bugs: Ambush Bug, Assassin Bug, Big-eyed Bug; Damsel Bug and Soldier Bug

Flies: Hover Fly; Robber Fly; Tachinid Fly; Green Lacewing and Prying Mantis

Wasps: Trichogramma Wasp; Braconid Wasp; Chalcid Wasp and Ichneumon Wasp (None of which sting)

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Resource: Mother Earth News April/May, 1992
"Managing Beneficial Bugs in your Garden"

         

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