How to Attract Beneficial Insects to Your Garden

Not all insects are our enemies. The familiar ladybug, or ladybird beetle, is a good example of a beneficial insect, because it feeds on aphids and other small, destructive insects. Even some insects like centipedes and spiders can have value as predators of other insects. Other beneficial insects include honeybees and certain "parasitic wasps," which are tiny, non-stinging insects that feed on bad insects. There are some simple techniques you can use to attract insects that prey on the insects that are causing your prized plants to suffer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Seeds or plants of basil, dill, lemon balm, mustard, parsley or yarrow
• Garden space
• Trowel

1. Plant pollen-rich and nectar flowers that have small flowers such as dill, lemon balm, mustard, parsley, yarrow and other herbs.

2. With your trowel, dig small holes scattered throughout your garden.

3. Plant your pollen-rich and nectar-producing herbs and plants in the holes you have dug.

4. Keep newly planted areas well watered until they are established.

5. To encourage spiders to visit your garden, mulch your garden areas with straw or dried grass when you first plant. This will attract spiders, which will then live happily and thrive on the insects they eat.

Tips & Warnings

• Protect beneficial insects by not using insecticides.
• Never kill a ladybug! They definitely are our friends in the garden.
• Honeybees love holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) and other basils.
• Many herbs and other plants that attract beneficial insects are very drought-tolerant and some are even considered weeds.
• You can order ladybugs from seed catalogs and the Internet, but be sure to check with local laws and regulations beforehand as there might be restrictions in some states.