Separating the Pest from the Precious: Positive Wildlife in Your Garden

You’ve just started your garden and are excited to grow new crops. But as you spend more time in your garden, you’ll start to notice some unwanted visitors. While seeing all wildlife in your garden as a pest is easy, many serve essential roles in the ecosystem and can help you grow better crops. In this article, we’ll discuss three pests to remove from your garden and three you should be happy to see.

The PESTY Wildlife in Your Garden:

The Japanese Beetle

This shiny green beetle might look pretty, but don’t let its appearance fool you. Japanese beetles can eat through nearly everything that grows in your garden, and they’re notoriously difficult to eliminate. They can cause immense damage to your crops and, if left unchecked, can quickly take over your garden. Try using a natural pesticide like neem oil or milky spore to combat Japanese beetles.

Aphids

These tiny green or black insects might seem harmless, but they can quickly multiply, killing entire plants. Aphids suck the sap and nutrients out of plants, leaving them wilted and stunted. To get rid of aphids, try spraying your plants with a mixture of dish soap and water. The soap will coat the aphids, suffocating them and preventing them from reproducing.

Slugs and Snails

These slimy creatures might not seem like a big deal, but they can eat through entire crops quickly. Slugs and snails love to feast on plants, leaving holes and trails in their wake. To deter slugs and snails, try using copper tape or beer traps. The copper tape creates a barrier that slugs and snails won’t cross, while the beer traps lure them in and drown them.

The PRECIOUS Wildlife in Your Garden:

Ladybugs

These adorable red and black insects might seem insignificant, but they’re a gardener’s best friend. Ladybugs love to eat aphids, so having a few in your garden can keep your plants healthy and happy. You can also buy ladybugs online and release them into your garden to boost their population.

Praying Mantises

These unique insects might look intimidating, but they’re quite helpful in the garden. Praying mantises love to eat a variety of pests, including aphids, caterpillars, and even other praying mantises. They’re also very easy to attract to your garden; simply plant flowers that attract different insects, and the mantises will come.

Bees

While bees might seem an obvious choice, many gardeners fear them. However, bees are crucial for pollination, which can help your plants yield better crops. Be sure to plant plenty of flowers that attract bees, and avoid using harmful pesticides that can harm them. One concern to note: if there’s a full hive in your backyard or garden, depending on the size of your gardening space, it’s probably best to relocate them. Companies such as Honey Bee Relocation Specialist can help move the hive somewhere with more space and fewer people, and if the hive gets moved close enough, you’ll still have bees visiting your yard often enough to help your garden grow.

Final Thoughts on Positive Wildlife in Your Garden

While it’s easy to see every insect in your garden as a pest, it’s important to remember that many serve important roles in the ecosystem. Separating the pests from the precious can ensure that your garden stays healthy and productive. By removing harmful pests and encouraging favorable wildlife, you can create an environment conducive to growth and success. So, next time you’re in your garden, take a moment to appreciate the insects helping your plants thrive.