Wasps: Biological Control – Garden Critter of the Month

Wasps at a glance Occupation: Predator Value to Gardener: 5/5 - Pest Controller and Pollinator Danger to Humans: 4/5 – They can sting when provoked Availability: 5/5 – They’ll arrive or you can buy some Quick Intro The wasp is likely an under appreciated garden helper. They are one of a few insects that duel…

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Insectary: Beneficial Insects & Garden Security Force

The Wildlife Garden - How to attract beneficial insects to your garden Integrative Pest Management (IPM) is the use of multiple pest preventative measures, such as diverse crop planting, crop rotation, green manures and responsible pesticide use. Enlisting the help of beneficial insects is also used to control pest populations and improve crop production.   Insectaries…

Amphibians – Garden Critter of the Month

Toads & Frogs at a glance Occupation: Predator Value to Gardener: 4/5 - Pest Controller! Danger to Humans: 0/5 - None Availability: 4/5 – They’ll arrive or you can buy some     Quick Intro Just a short post our regular garden inhabitant and cricket-controller. Amphibians include three lineages: salamanders, frogs & toads, and caecilians.…

Garden Helpers: Little creatures, big helpers

Little creatures that help in a big way The major helpers in the garden all reside within the soil community. The hardest and most efficient workers are the smallest; bacteria and fungi, which decompose organic material. The larger helpers are the toads, lizards and birds that catch and eat other pests, although, birds might eat…

Praying Mantis: Biological Control – Garden Critter of the Month

Mantids at a glance Occupation: Predator Value to Gardener: 5/5 - Pest Controller! Danger to Humans: 0/5 - None Availability: 5/5 – They’ll arrive or you can buy some Quick Intro Mantids are usually large, robust insects with mobile heads and large eyes. Mantids are visual predators that ambush prey with serrated forelimbs. I will…

Ladybeetle (Ladybug or Ladybird): Biological Control – Garden Critter of the Month

Ladybeetles (Ladybugs or Ladybirds) at a glance Occupation: Predator or Pest Value to Gardener: 3/5 - Pest Controller (some are pests!) Danger to Humans: 1/5 – Harmless Availability: 5/5 – They’ll arrive or you can buy some Quick Intro Ladybugs, ladybirds or ladybeetles; these insects are firm favourites amongst gardeners and non-gardeners alike with the…

Pest Control: Biological control; organic & green recipes

My philosophy on pest control: Effective – preferably works with the first treatment Environmental and people friendly – do not want to kill off all the helpers in the garden and certainly do not want to poison myself or wait for two weeks for the chemicals to degrade before harvesting Cheap and sustainable – made…