Should Gardeners Be Trying to Eliminate Every Bug in the Garden?

There are a number of insects that can injure the plants in our gardens but it is important to know which ones just cause cosmetic problems vs. those that actually destroy our flowers, shrubs and trees. The question becomes what battles do we need to fight and which ones should we not worry about? It is not necessary to eliminate every insect especially when the damage they may cause is very minor and does not threaten the health of the plant.

One of the chewing insects that may be here soon in significant quantities and has already made an appearance is the Fall Web Worm. These little guys can gang up on a small branch of just about any tree or shrub, not normally evergreens, and in a matter of a couple of days make lace out of the leaves. Take a look at this Tricolor Beech tree leaf. The leaf at the bottom of the picture is normal and the one at the top is "skeletonized". All the fleshy part of the leaf has been eaten leaving the ribs of the leaf. Now the question is what to do? Because this insect normally is located on a small part of the plant it is easier to physically remove this pest by putting on a pair of gloves and removing the damaged plant parts with the little worms. It doesn't make any sense to spray the entire tree since this pest is very local and will not reappear this year.

The take home message is to identify the insect that is causing the problem before grabbing a container of pesticide and start applying a product that will not necessarily control the pest that is harming your plants. There are specific control measures to consider for many of the insects that attack the plants we prize. We can be more effective in controlling the bugs that harm our plants when we have identified the insect so the correct control measure can be used. The result is better control of the pest(s) and we may be able to save money by using the "right stuff" and at the same time protect the environment, our pollinators, the bees and butterflies that we depend on for our food supply.


30 years of Growing
Meadow View Growers
New Carlisle, OH
www.meadowview.com

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