Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned gardener, pests can put a damper on your outdoor hobby. While damaged plants can be frustrating, it’s important to understand that some garden insects are actually good for your backyard plot. Advanced IPM explains why your pest control plan in Rancho Cordova, CA or another California community should only focus on the “bad bugs.”
Beneficial Garden Insects
You’ll have to deal with a few pests in order to achieve a bountiful garden, but these bugs are there for a very good reason. Certain beneficial types of insects make your job easier by getting rid of the more destructive bugs lurking among the produce and flowers in your plot. Here are the types of insects to attract or keep in your garden:
- Predators like the aphid-eating ladybug
- Parasites like the trichogramma, a tiny wasp
- Butterflies, honey bees, beetles, and other pollinators
- Decomposers, including earthworms, slugs, ants, spiders, and more
A smart thing to do is growing plants that attract beneficial bugs. Some gardeners buy beneficial garden insects, while others do what they can to attract them. Both methods require patience, because predators will inevitably eat some of the good bugs along with the bad.
Insects That Are Bad for Your Garden
Some bugs serve no purpose in your garden, or the negatives far outweigh the positives. Here are a few of the pests wreaking havoc in Rancho Cordova, CA gardens:
- Aphids
- Boxelder bugs
- Cabbage worms
Avoid the temptation to douse your plot with chemicals. Instead, launch a natural pest control defense using garlic or hot pepper spray, floating row covers or a strong squirt of water for instant removal. These non-toxic tactics are designed to get rid of these pests without endangering the bugs you want in your garden.
The Best Solution
A combination of beneficial insects and other natural deterrents will help keep your garden healthy. However, haphazardly applying these solutions may not completely eliminate the problem. Count on Advanced IPM to develop an integrated pest management strategy that works in both the short and long term. We’ll develop and implement a plan targeted to the pests plaguing your garden. Our techs help gardeners in Rancho Cordova, CA and other communities safely achieve the results they want, so contact us today to schedule a consultation.
