In part one of this series, lady beetles, green lacewings, black ground beetles and aphid midges were praised for their abilities to remove common garden pests. Organic farmers in particular should take note of these insect helpers because they can severely cut back on the amount of pesticides needed to keep a crop from being damaged. Even amateur gardeners can benefit from a knowledge of these "good bugs." Spraying chemicals on your garden might be a great way to kill harmful pests, but it could just as easily hurt the other, beneficial bugs as well.
Here are a few more insects to keep your eye out for:
The common earthworm might get overlooked in daily life, but gardeners should be very thankful for their presence. Earthworms are extremely beneficial to the soil. According to National Geographic, an earthworm distributes nutrients within the soil and decomposes fallen leaves and other plant debris. Even the tunnels they create can help aerate the soil. Seeing these crawling invertebrates in your garden is a very good sign of healthy soil.
The soldier beetle lives up to its name by hiding in ambush among pollen-producing plants. There it will wait until an unsuspecting insect comes along looking for nectar. The beetle will then leap from cover, attack, and eat its prey. According to Iowa State University, the soldier beetle likes to prey upon caterpillars and aphids. The beetle likes to live near goldenrod plants, so having a few in or near your garden is a good idea.
These species of tachinid flies like to feast on moths. To the untrained eye, these flies don't look much different from the common housefly. However, according to the University of California, tachinidae can be identified by the bristles that protrude from the abdomen. These creatures are worth having around, because they kill species of moths that can cause massive damage to crops and trees. They provide biological control that can pinpoint harmful species better than any pesticide could.
These species, and those included in part one, can be purchased online - which makes them a viable option for pest control. Organic farmers and gardeners should keep on the lookout for these beneficial insects and promote their continued existence.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
During the summer months, some people love to go camping with family and friends. Yet this fun trip can be ruined with a few unwanted visitors, most notably different types of bugs. Crawling spiders, hungry mosquitoes and buzzing flies can become annoying quickly. How can you avoid these pests when you're outdoors? Consider these tips to keep bugs out of your campsite.
Carpenter ants can chew through the strongest studs and stringers in a house as they hollow the wooden beams out for nesting. The resulting damage can weaken the home's structural support and require expensive repairs. Professional pest control workers can remove a colony of ants, but the best practice for homeowners is to learn the best ways to keep out an ant colony and prevent the problem before it begins.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
In the summer months, people love to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. Some even venture to farmers markets where the food is cheaper. However, not only do fruits come home with you, fruit flies may too. Once they've gotten acclimated in your home, they might stay all summer. These pests breed quickly, and tend to spread through whatever food you've got around. They also are happy to join in on any meal you have, be it a sit-down dinner or a barbecue in your backyard. Worst of all, like other flies, they carry disease. Consider these tips on how to prevent fruit flies from coming home with you.
