Rally the Troops: It's Beneficial Insect Time!

As we move into March, early pests begin to emerge - mites, aphids, white flies, and other soft little 'suckers' perfectly time their hatching schedule to match that of the newly unfolding and tender young leaves of springtime. A healthy flush of rose leaves or new juniper growth can turn yellow and curled seemingly overnight, and the gardener's natural reaction is to run for the bottle - of pesticide, that is. Even botanical and natural pesticides (although an improvement upon their synthetic chemical counterparts) are often 'non-selective', and can harm the 'good bugs' that are our natural garden allies. Now is the time for the release of BENEFICIAL INSECTS. These bug friends include green lacewings, beneficial nematodes, trichogramma wasps, ladybugs, and praying mantis.

Green lacewings, pictured above, are often called "aphid lions" because of their voracious appetite for aphids. In fact, it is the lacewing larva that destroy garden pests. Lacewing larvae consume a variety of insects in vast quantities, including aphids, mealy-bugs, spider mites, leafhopper nymphs, caterpillar eggs, scales, thrips, and white-flies. The larvae attack the eggs of its prey with a paralyzing venom, and draw out the body fluids of the helpless victim. Ahhhh, garden biology: such graphic violence!! Adult green lacewings are harmless, feeding primarily on pollen and honeydew.

Green lacewings can be ordered from Marshall Grain in Fort Worth, as well as from my old friends at the Beneficial Insect Company in Fort Mill, SC.

Beneficial nematodes are microscopic roundworms that work in the soil to destroy grubs, fleas, gnats, flies, cutworms, billbugs, ants, and Japanese beetles. Beneficial nematodes are a highly effective alternative to chemical insecticides. They control harmful soil-dwelling insects by feeding on their larva - all without harming other beneficial bugs! Late March to early April is a good time to work nematodes into the garden, and they are available at Marshall Grain.

March is also the best time to release trichogramma wasps. These wasps, harmless to humans, destroy caterpillars. While many moth and butterfly larvae can be devastating to the garden, I love my swallowtails so much that I tend to spot treat problem caterpillars with a Bt spray instead. If you are overrun with caterpillars though, these wasps can be invaluable. They can be found at Planet Natural.

Ladybugs are a beneficial favorite. Voracious hunters of aphids, they have been shown to be more effective at their control than any chemical application! Plus, they are just so durn cute. Almost all beneficial insect suppliers carry ladybugs, as do many local garden centers nowadays.

As the season progresses, praying mantis egg cases can be placed in the garden. One egg case can contain dozens of mantis, the most ferocious pest predator in the garden- feasting on bugs of all sizes. Try the Beneficial Insect Company for egg cases and recommended release dates in your area.

My schedule begins with green lacewings and nematode orders readied for next week, followed by ladybugs and praying mantis. I'll skip the wasps, because I want to protect my butterflies, and opt for Bt sprays if problem caterpillars crop up.

Rally your troops, and let the bugs do your dirty work this year - which means more time for a glass of wine in the garden!