This year we’ve decided to go the “no-spray” route in regards to pests because of the honeybees. Every day I’m amazed by the biodiversity in our crops.
A couple of weeks ago I saw my very first Green Lacewing. The larva of which feeds on soft-bodied insects, such as aphids, spider mites, immature bugs, and leafhoppers.
Today I saw my very first thread-waisted wasp, which I had never even heard of until I looked it up. It’s a solitary wasp that lives in the ground and feeds it’s larva caterpillars.
We also have tons of digger bees, carpenter bees, ladybugs and soldier beetles. We also have lots of wasps. We’re probably going to have to hang a faux wasp hive because they are making it difficult to harvest beans, corn and cucumbers.
Fabulous lacewing shot Rachel! Wow! We're doing the no-spray thing too. When you take the time to look, it's amazing how many potential pollinators are roaming the garden, even beyond the honeybees. We'd like to preserve them all, especially those thread-waisted wasps…we have a few hearty meals for them around here at the moment 😛
We never spray any of our gardens… we go all natural. It's great knowing we don't use harmful chemicals or pesticides and we still grow beautiful things in our gardens. I think everyone should try that method, because it is much safer and healthier.
Blessings,
The Chicken Keepers
Faux wasp hive? Is there such a thing? And why? Does it off-put the not-faux wasps??
Elephant's Eye, the wasps here are very territorial so when they see it they'll think this territory belongs to another nest and will avoid it.
Clare, I can't take credit for the photos. Of course I never see these insects when I have my camera with me! LOL They are linked to flickr.
Rachel, that information about the faux wasps nest is fabulous. I am going to try that!
Sparrow, just Google "Waspinator" and it should come up.
I'm too cheap to buy sprays. Though I could wish for a few more beneficial insects that would eat the problem bugs.
Heidi, I think you need more giant rat-eating insects! LOL Or maybe put in an owl house. The owls have finally returned to our neighborhood and they've made a pretty good dent in the rodent population.
Love this! I'm all for natural predators too. Except sometimes when I see a clutch of lacewing eggs waving from the petals of my orchids …. what a dilemma!