The best method of organic pest control is by predatory insects. Sometimes it is just necessary to boost the natural population of the existing predatory insects colonizing the back yard; but if the garden has a specific insect problem, immediate steps is necessary to amplify the predator population.
Ladybugs- Also popularly known as lady beetles, are small bugs which have an insatiable appetite for soft-bodied insect larvae. They are generally transported as adults and released into the garden, with their polka dotted exterior and tiny wings- may seem pleasant to humans, but a terror to a parasite such as an aphid.
Kirk and Heidi Tubbs recruit numerous lady bugs on their plants at Tubbs’ Berry Farm. They also use a lot of wasp eggs as a control on other insects.
The bad insects they feed on include moths, caterpillars and aphids otherwise commonly known as plant lice. In unison, they extract the life out of plants which forms the basis for the Tubbs’ food supply.
The shipment should have some detailed instructions on the proper release of the beneficial insects into the garden. For optimal results, the bugs should be released in small batches, preferably in the early morning or late evening, shortly after watering the garden.
Protect Investment: Give the good bugs a chance to do their jobs! The garden should be watered and free of chemicals, especially pesticides. You should leave some leaf litter to provide shelter and egg-laying. There should be some flowering plants as a source of pollen and nectar, especially wildflowers.
Give Predator Insects Time: Beneficial biological control are not an instant remedy; they’re just one positive step in the creation of a harmonious natural environment where problems are solved by themselves. It can take up to a number of seasons for a natural predator/prey ecosystem to sustain and thrive in your garden, so please have some patience!
One can utilize the microscopic worms termed as nematodes to banish fleas at their source. Petmd.com is of the opinion that nematodes naturally predate on fleas as they are transported in the soil and consume flea larvae that are found and release a toxic chemical that is fatal to the fleas but not harmful to pets or people.
Lady bugs can be recruited from the local garden supply store which consume smaller bugs such as fleas.
These tips might prove to be very useful to fight a fair fight against bothersome fleas and ticks that usually thrive in the summer months.
For Utah pest control, choose Preventive Pest Control. Call (801) 566-5590 today to schedule your free inspection!