Good Bug, Bad Bug

Written by Jungle Jim

Every yard has bugs, both good and bad. The trick is attracting the former and deterring the latter. Here’s some tips on keeping a healthy bug balance in the garden:

• Know your bugs. Find out what bugs live in your yard and whether they are beneficial or not. Don’t forget that many look different at different stages. Ask one of our associates for identification or check out the University of California’s Integrated Pest Management website (www.ipm.ucdavis.edu).

• Introduce beneficial insects to your yard-we carry ladybugs, beneficial nematodes and more.

• Provide pollinator/beneficial bug habitats in your garden. Zinnia, Marigold, Salvia and Shasta Daisy are good examples.

• Plant ‘indicator’ plants to monitor pests. For example, Marigolds are susceptible to Spider Mites, if you find them there, treat them before they get to your beans!

• Use low impact insecticides and follow label directions. Many chemicals affect a broad spectrum of insects-even bees if not applied correctly. If feasible, use target insect specific chemicals-organic if possible and always follow recommended application rates.

• Come to our FREE family friendly kids seminar “Gett’n Buggy!” with Anne Schellman June 25 at 11:00 for more!

Jungle Jim