We all know that insects may harm our plants, or even kill them. While trying to keep our plants alive, we are prone to killing all the insects we see. Did you know that there are also many insects that not only benefit plants, but also deal with the insects that try to harm them? One such relationship is that of ants and peonies: just before peonies begin to bloom they exude a sticky substance. Ants are drawn to the sweet substance and will not harm the plants while encouraging the peony to blom.
Insects that are dangerous to plants include aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, thrips, tent caterpillars, loopers, and many more. However, there are just as many natural enemies of these harmful critters including ladybugs (the love to eat aphids), lacewings (will eat any soft-bodied insects it can find- including mealy bugs and tent caterpillars), praying mantis (will eat anything it can grab), as well as beneficial nematodes (will eat grubs that attack a plant's root system). Beneficial insects will generally not damage plants or bother humans and animals.
In conclusion, beneficial insects are a cost-effective, natural way to eliminate pests from the garden. So next time you see one, don't squash it, encourage it!
Editor's note: This entry was authored by Emily, Reds employee.
No comments:
Post a Comment