Biological Pest Control
With fewer pesticides on the market and increased interest in organic gardening, biological pest control has become more widespread. This method involves introducing predatory insects, mites or nematodes (tiny worms), which eat pests and control their numbers, mimicking the role of natural beneficial insects in the garden.
Originally developed for use in commercial glasshouses back in the '1960s, one of the first biological controls was for whitefly. It works by releasing the small, non-stinging Encarsia wasp into glasshouses, where they lay their eggs inside whitefly 'scales'. When the egg hatches into a larva, it eats the scale, before turning into an adult wasp and going in search of more scales to lay its eggs in.
Scientists have continued to develop new forms of biological pest control, suitable for use on a variety of pests. Initially, many of the predators used came from tropical regions of the world, so were only effective when temperatures were warm enough. These predators are most effective when confined to greenhouses, where they'll control pests such as mealy bug, scale insect and red spider mite.
Recently, controls have also been developed for use outside, on pests including caterpillars, slugs and wire worms, so in future we may all be using this natural form of pest control.
Originally developed for use in commercial glasshouses back in the '1960s, one of the first biological controls was for whitefly. It works by releasing the small, non-stinging Encarsia wasp into glasshouses, where they lay their eggs inside whitefly 'scales'. When the egg hatches into a larva, it eats the scale, before turning into an adult wasp and going in search of more scales to lay its eggs in.
Scientists have continued to develop new forms of biological pest control, suitable for use on a variety of pests. Initially, many of the predators used came from tropical regions of the world, so were only effective when temperatures were warm enough. These predators are most effective when confined to greenhouses, where they'll control pests such as mealy bug, scale insect and red spider mite.
Recently, controls have also been developed for use outside, on pests including caterpillars, slugs and wire worms, so in future we may all be using this natural form of pest control.
Wildlife as a Pest Control
With so many gardeners feeding birds through the winter, it's good to know that these visitors will repay your kindness later. In spring, baby birds are fuelled by a burgeoning insect population. Once fledged, the diet of some birds changes to seeds, but there are plenty of others that keep up the good work, controlling pests throughout the year. These include all members of the tit family, together with robins, blackbirds, thrushes and flycatchers.
Amphibians also make a meal of garden pests - frogs, toads and newts flick out their sticky tongues to catch all manner of bugs. Ponds and water features provide them with the ideal habitat, but log piles and leaf litter also make good hunting grounds for them. Meanwhile, hedgehogs are great devourers of slugs and snails, but also weevils and caterpillars. Less commonly seen are slow worms and grass snakes, both of which eat juicy grubs, slugs and snails.
Amphibians also make a meal of garden pests - frogs, toads and newts flick out their sticky tongues to catch all manner of bugs. Ponds and water features provide them with the ideal habitat, but log piles and leaf litter also make good hunting grounds for them. Meanwhile, hedgehogs are great devourers of slugs and snails, but also weevils and caterpillars. Less commonly seen are slow worms and grass snakes, both of which eat juicy grubs, slugs and snails.