- Ladybugs and ground beetles eat the bad guys - this is how you attract the beneficial insects
- Pests by definition - these bugs are better than their reputation
They go by the names ladybugs, ground beetles, fire beetles and fireflies. Numerous beetles provide the gardener with effective protection in the fight against pests and diseases. When species such as bark beetles or Colorado potato beetles cause damage, humans are usually responsible for the causes. These tips show where the differences lie and why some beetles are misunderstood.
The glowworm, which is inconspicuous during the day, helps against snails and lights up the garden at night
Ladybugs and ground beetles eat the bad guys - this is how you attract the beneficial insects
Because their way of life appeals to a gardener, ladybirds, ground beetles and other species are declared beneficial insects. Their blessed activity consists in the fact that they devour countless aphids, like the seven-spotted ladybird, or hunt for snails, like the firefly, the firefly. In order for a large flock of helpful beetles to be at your side in ecological plant protection, important framework conditions must be created in the garden. How to attract the beneficial insects:
- Fill old flower pots with straw for ground beetles and set them upside down as a retreat
- Create piles of leaves and mixed hedges as a refuge for ladybirds and other beetle species
- Leave old, rotten tree trunks in the garden to invite the fire beetle and his fellows
The consistent avoidance of chemical pesticides attracts countless beneficial insects into your garden over time, such as beetles, bees, bumblebees, butterflies, birds and other small animals. The ecological balance benefits from this, so that problems in the cultivation of ornamental and useful plants do not arise in the first place or can be remedied with simple household remedies.
Pests by definition - these bugs are better than their reputation
They spread fear and terror in fields and forests. Colorado potato beetles, bark beetles, vine weevils and other species are notorious as pests and are fought with tons of toxic insecticides. When beetles cause damage, we humans are responsible for this. The Colorado potato beetle was brought in from America and the explosive spread of the bark beetle is caused by unnatural monoculture.
Until their involuntary resettlement to Europe, Colorado potato beetles led a leisurely, peaceful beetle life that caused no problems. Mother Nature has also given the bark beetle an important task for the ecosystem. In the healthy mixed forest, he diligently decomposes organic material and makes it available to other plants as humus.
These few examples already indicate how you can effectively protect your garden from a beetle plague. A healthy mixed culture coupled with a species-rich colonization of beetles, insects, birds and small animals creates ecological balance. A healthy ecosystem regulates threats from pathogens on its own in no time at all.
tips
Not only from the ranks of the beetles you get powerful backing in non-toxic plant protection. If the mole finds its way into your garden, it will go underground in search of voracious insects. Instead of driving away the busy digger, you benefit twice over from a cooperation. The soil of a molehill is so finely crumbly and nutritious that it replaces any high-quality and expensive potting soil.