Battling Bugs

Lady Bug: A Gardener's Best Friend

Unless we count those made-of-plastic, no plants live insect free. Creepy-crawly bugs are an important part of gardening. They are key members of our gardening crew: building soil; pollinating flowers and wiping out bad guys. If you see one you do not like, don't be like my children and run away screaming or attempt to squash it. Figure out which insect you have and its role in the garden (and beyond) before you go hosing everything down with pesticide. Even if it is causing damage, you could be annihilating the larvae or a precious butterfly or predatory benefices like praying mantis and lady bugs. Also weigh whether the damage the insect is doing really warrants action. Is it life threatening to the plant's health or just making the plant look bad for awhile? Is it worth the risk of exposing toxins to you, your family, your pets or beneficial insects? Learning to tolerate some damage is good for the health of your garden and the environment. If you are not sure what you have, your local Cooperative Extension office can help you figure it out.

If you do decide to take action, consider using more environmentally friendly methods instead of reaching for toxic chemicals like those containing carbaryl (brand name: Sevin). With each passing year, more and more earth-friendly options are available at garden centers, and entire online stores are devoted to low-impact pest management. You can purchase and release predatory beneficial insects, too! Many biologically based products are available, which are less hazardous to humans and wildlife. Neem oil, for example, is derived from neem tree seed. The active ingredients azadirachtin and clarified hydrophobic extract effectively control a number of insect pests and help with the management of some fungal diseases, respectively. Likewise, insecticidal soap puts fatty acid salts into action to control insects like aphids and mealy bugs. Before using any pest control product, always read the label to make sure your target is appropriate and that you understand how to safely apply it.

Of course, taking steps to prevent damaging insect infestations is always the most earth-friendly tactic. Plants are most susceptible when under stress. Be sure they are receiving optimum light, water, and nutrients as well as adequate drainage. Choosing pest-resistant varieties minimizes occurrences. You can also experiments with companion planting. Some research has found that aromatic plants like chives, basil, lemon thyme and nasturtium repel insects. Similarly, strategically placing a mix of flowering and native plants will attract beneficial insects and give them a reason to stick around after they have reduced the number of bad guys.