Beneficial Insects in the Garden
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JACKSON, Tenn.- With warmer weather finally here, many people are getting out in the garden. Whether it is planting, mowing, or digging you most likely will run into a bee, earthworm, or even a ladybug. Some of these insects can be beneficial though to your garden and can really carry the load in keeping your plants alive. “A lot of your beneficial insects right now are your ants. Lot of people starting to see those in the house as far as coming in looking for sugars and stuff like that. Best thing is to have those beneficial insects around because they do pollinate and they do help with the decomposition process.” Rick McCann said, veteran owner and operator of Arrest Your Pest Management. As insects begin to creep and crawl out, fear drives people to spray whatever insecticide that may kill them. Many choose to spray any old thing which could eliminate some of the most invasive and destructive bugs but also hurt some of the beneficial ones to. “Of course there are your aphids, cabbage worms, and tomato worms that will eat up your plants. ” said Debra Oliver, Sales Representative at R&J Garden Supply. The everyday homeowner thinks by spraying everything it will eliminate most of the concern but could also create further problems down the road. By eliminating both good and bad bugs you are allowing other species and even disease to come in. This is why the shift has been made to more organic based products which are safe to both the beneficial bugs and the everyday homeowner. “I use a product called Diatomaceous Earth. Basically what it is, is crushed up old extinct coral reef, limestone, and volcanic ash. It will harm a lot of those non beneficial insects but leave the beneficial one’s alone, ” McCann said. So next time you see that spider, ladybug, bumble bee, or even praying mantis just leave it alone, and know that they are making a difference in your garden. Just sit back and relax while the busy insects do all the work! For more information on some of the beneficial bugs in your own yard feel free to contact your local garden center. If you have any pest related issues contact Rick McCann of Arrest Your Pest Management at (731) 618-2635
