Fall Garden Beneficial Insects Tips
During, the spring and summer months beneficial insects are hard at work helping to bring control to garden pests, many of these insects can be found moving about our gardens and landscapes and for some of us who may not see their presence the evidence that they are there are clearly visible either by the body parts of garden insect pests, pest population is low or our plants are thriving and growing healthy.
Although fall is here these insects (beneficial insects) are not done yet but are still active during this time of the year, the fall months however present their challenges as garden insect pests are busy about our gardens seeking to store food for the winter months that’s ahead before they go into hiding (overwintering). Here is what to do to keep your plants growing healthy while protecting these beneficial insects.
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Harmful Pesticides
In some cases, garden insect pests can wreak havoc or do much damage to garden plants, especially our fall crops but wait a second before you reach for harmful pesticides that can do much damage to beneficial insects, contaminate the air and the water, becoming hazardous to humans, pets and wildlife consider these solutions first. Remember Toxics Pesticides if used incorrectly can cause much Damage.
Homemade Solutions
In your pantry even on your kitchen counter top are products that can be used to bring pest control, these natural remedies are pet and human-friendly so consider using them as safe best management practices.
Introducing Beneficial Insects into Your Fall Garden
Another great way to bring control into your fall garden is by increasing the number of beneficial insects that are present. The way to follow this practice that has proven to be beneficial within the home garden is by following these simple yet effective methods.
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Encouraging Beneficial Insects into Your Fall Garden
Increasing the number of beneficial insects in your garden can multiply their numbers, this can be accomplished by companion planting, this method will not only increase their number but the diversity of garden plants has many benefits.
Organic Pesticides
Organic pesticides are chemicals that are human and pet-friendly, these pesticides are ideal for bringing control of insects especially if you are growing edible crops. Some examples of organic pesticides are neem oil, insecticidal soaps, horticultural oil, Bacillus thuringiensis, etc…
Protecting Beneficial Insects In Your Fall Garden
- Leaving some leaves in your fall garden will help beneficial insects overwinter
- Don’t use harmful pesticides
- When using pesticides even organic pesticides spray when beneficial insects are least active which is during the morning hours
- Provide shelter for them by providing a mixture of plants for example plant material and ground cover
- Providing an insect hotel will help to keep beneficial insects safe
- Install plants in areas where there are no plants
- If using pesticides consider using one that is for that targeted insect pests rather than using a broad-spectrum product
Incorrect Use of Pesticides
- Not wearing the right safety gear, gloves, goggles, respirator
- Applying pesticides without reading the directions on the label first
- Not following the label directions
- Applying pesticides on days when it’s windy
- Applying pesticides in rainy weather
- Applying pesticides at the wrong time of the day
- Using pesticides other than what it was listed for
Correct Use of Pesticides
Just do the opposite of the above mentioned and you will be good.
Additional information
1. If you do use toxic pesticides start with the least toxic first.
2. The ideal time to apply pesticides is during the morning hours when beneficial insects are not that active, the reason for this is that you don’t want them to come in contact with pesticides.
Some Examples of Beneficial Insects
- Ladybugs
- Soldier Beetle
- Green Lacewing
- Praying Mathis
- Mealy Destroyer
- Earwig
- Assassin Bug
The final word to protect beneficial insects in your South Florida garden
Protecting beneficial insects in your fall garden is that simple, this guide will help you to keep them safe while they (beneficial insects) police and protect your garden from garden insect pests. Beneficial insects are nature’s way of using biological control to control insect pests, this approach is safe and has proven to be effective. Many growers and home gardens are using this method as a safe approach to growing while protecting the environment. Give this method a try and see for yourself you will not be disappointed.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.