Good bugs vs chemicals
Pesticides have long been the go-to for commercial horticulturalists and gardeners alike. We now know of course that this approach is fraught and that there are very many potentially undesirable outcomes with the use of poisons, especially in the home garden.
Toxic sprays are typically applied when pests reach a certain level that is deemed unacceptable.
Encouraging beneficial insects and mites in your garden offers a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to pesticides. At times you may benefit by strategic release of ‘beneficial bugs’. To get the best results we need to understand fundamental differences between the use of ‘good bugs’ and pesticides.
Spotted ladybirds just love to feed on aphids
Strategies to encourage good bugs in your garden
- Release early – Usually this might be at the first sign of pest activity or at a time of year when you know from experience that the pests of concern might normally become problematic
- Make multiple releases (usually 2 or 3 releases for a specific pest issue) – This strategy offers a better chance of establishment compared to a single release (even of higher numbers). Doing so not only helps improve the prospects for successful establishment but also promotes overlapping generations thereby accelerating the rise in beneficial insect and mite numbers
- Target hotspots – If you are able to identify pest hotspots early and apply your beneficial insects directly to these areas you are likely to achieve better results with fewer beneficials and hence lower cost.
- Apply sufficient numbers of beneficials to do the job – Use our suggested release rates as a guide but do make sure you apply numbers that are appropriate taking into account the levels of pest activity, the type of pest and the value of your plants.
- Encourage biodiversity – Do all you can to encourage a protected and diverse garden landscape. There is little value in introducing our good bugs into a hostile environment. That means being careful with pesticide residues, minimising dust and temperature extremes and doing what you can to provide access to pollen and nectar within your garden.
- Beetle Bags – Where appropriate consider the use of our ‘beetle bags’ as a way to identify a release point and to follow up to ensure successful establishment. The bags can be especially helpful for establishing ladybird beetles and may only need to remain in place for a few days until they have laid eggs amongst the pest population.
Beetle bags can help with establishment of ladybird beetles.
Cryptolaemus ladybird larvae – ideal for targeting mealybugs ‘hotspots’
