Q: How can I tell the difference between good bugs and bad bugs in my garden?
/A:
Good Guys
Lady Bugs: You can order Lady bugs at most local nurseries or at many online retailers. They are great for controlling aphids.
Beneficial Nematodes: These are microscopic round worms that are natural parasites. For best results make two applications 7-10 days apart. They are most effective when applied in the early morning right after watering. It is important to remember that nematodes should be refrigerated before application. They are the best defense for beetle infestations.
Praying Mantis: These bugs have a huge appetite for moths, flies, and mosquitos and as a bonus are really fun to watch in the garden. They can also be purchased at many local nurseries.
Braconid Wasp: Have you ever seen a hornworm caterpillar covered in white eggs? Those are the eggs of the braconid wasp! They are great control against caterpillars. If you see a caterpillar covered in the eggs, let nature do its job.
Bad Guys
Beetles: Squash beetles, cucumber beetles and Japanese beetles can destroy a plant in days. Neem oil can treat and prevent beetles from attacking plants. Beneficial Nematodes are also a great way of getting rid of grubs (beetle larva) in the soil.
Cabbage worms and Horn worms: These are not actually worms, but the caterpillar larva of moths. Planting chives and onions near your tomatoes and brassica will help to deter the moths from laying their eggs. The best defense is to start checking the undersides of your plant's leaves for clusters of eggs. When you find eggs gently scrape them off into a cup of hot soapy water.
Ants: If you are a raised bed gardener you most likely have encountered an ant colony in your beds. To get rid of ants you can treat the soil with Diatomaceous Earth. One option that works is to sprinkle coffee grounds on the soil to deter the ants. Be careful though as too many coffee grounds can change the pH of your soil. Another option is to mix artificial sweetener (Splenda, Sweet & Low) with Borax and place it on a paper plate near the infested area. The sweetener will attract the ants and the Borax acts as a poison.
Aphids: Aphids are small sap-sucking insects that you will see clinging in clusters to the stems of plants. They are the favorite food of lady bugs. If releasing lady bugs isn't your thing, spray the infected plants with a mix of water and dish soap, then use a plastic knife to gently scrape them off the plant. This should be repeated every 7-10 days until the plant is aphid-free.