Pest control is not always as clear cut as it appears on the surface. Not all insects are pests in need of extermination. In fact, some insects are considered beneficial insects and should not only be preserved, but in some cases, homeowners should encourage beneficial insects to thrive on their property.
What Are Some Common Beneficial Insects?
Temecula has many different kinds of beneficial insects. There are insects that help naturally control the pest population, as well as those that pollinate plants, and even those that help break down plant and animal waste. Here are a few beneficial insects in Temecula to look out for:
As far as insects go, pretty much everyone loves the ladybug. They’re cute, unobtrusive, and feast on insects that damage plants, such as aphids and mealybugs. Some gardeners even go so far as to purchase ladybugs to increase their population on their property, since a single adult ladybug can eat up to 50 aphids every day!
Though not as attractive as the ladybug, praying mantises are another beneficial insect that gardeners should spare from pest control chemicals. Praying mantises consume pests such as flies, moths, mosquitos, and roaches.
Another beneficial insect common to the Temecula area is the green lacewing. Green lacewings feast on aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and other plant-harming organisms. They are some of the most effective predators you can have in your garden—even better than ladybugs.
Bees are great to have around, especially if you have a garden that needs pollinating, but some people should consider having bee hives removed if they are found on their property. This is especially true if you have someone in your household who is allergic to bee stings, or if you have small children or curious pets that will have trouble staying away from a buzzing beehive. According to Temecula pest control company Knockout Pest Control & Termite, you should also have a beehive removed if it is attached to your house or other structure. Beehives can cause damage such as dry rot or mold if left alone for too long, causing homeowners to have to make costly repairs.
Wasps are not often considered beneficial insects—they are better known as pests capable of a nasty sting—but like bees, they are pollinators. However, most people feel that the bad outweighs the good when it comes to wasps and choose to have them removed by a Temecula pest control company.
How Do You Attract Beneficial Insects?
If you are looking to attract beneficial insects to your property to help control the pest population around your home and in your garden or to improve pollination, one of the best ways to do so is to add native plants that beneficial insects like to your landscaping. In Southern California, this would include plants such as sage, buckwheat, or needlegrass.
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