Beneficial insects in the garden: animal heroes for good growth
21.05.2024 - Beneficial insects play a crucial role in a healthy and sustainable garden. But who are the little helpers that fight pests and support the plant cycle? A look at the different types of beneficial insects such as ladybirds, bumblebees, parasitic wasps, ground beetles and nematodes reveals the specific functions they fulfil in the garden ecosystem. We also provide tips on ideal living conditions and what to consider when purchasing beneficial insects.
The sun is shining, a light breeze is blowing over the flower beds and we are sitting comfortably in the garden without lifting a finger. Doesn't that sound like a dream? Fortunately, there are little helpers that make exactly this scenario possible. Beneficial insects are the secret heroes of our garden. They work in secret while we can sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labour. Ladybirds, bumblebees and their companions are the real stars in the fight against pests. They don't do things by halves - when it comes to eating unwelcome guests, they are masters of their trade. Aphids, spider mites and the like don't stand a chance against these natural hunters. And the best thing about it? Our plants thrive without us having to resort to pesticides. Chemicals out, nature in!
A closer look at garden heroes
In a sustainable garden, there are a multitude of little helpers that are inconspicuous but extremely effective in maintaining the ecological balance and keeping plants healthy and vigorous. These inconspicuous heroes have names such as lacewings, ladybirds, parasitic wasps, ground beetles, bumblebees and nematodes. Each of them has a special role in the garden ecosystem and makes a valuable contribution in their own way to controlling pests or pollinating plants. A closer look at these fascinating garden inhabitants shows how they help our green paradise to thrive.
Lacewings
These pretty fliers with their iridescent green wings are real aphid hunters. They also have spider mites, thrips and caterpillars on their menu. The larvae of lacewings are particularly hungry and like to devour the small pests, which often gather in large groups on the tender plant shoots. A single female lacewing can lay around 350 eggs up to three times a year, and each hatched larva eats around 450 aphids. This means that the offspring of a single female lacewing can consume around 500,000 aphids a year!
Ladybirds
Not only are they cute to look at, ladybirds are also extremely effective aphid exterminators. A seven-spot ladybird can devour between 100 and 150 aphids a day, while its hungry larvae can eat another 400 to 600 each until they pupate. The offspring of a single ladybird can therefore eliminate around 100,000 aphids in summer. Some ladybird species, such as the sixteen-spotted ladybird, even eat mildew.
Ichneumon wasps
These elegant insects are true specialists and adapt individually to different "pests" such as aphids, leaf miners or codling moths. They parasitise their prey and thus keep their population in check. Some, such as the ant aphid ichneumon wasp, have even developed special hunting strategies that only apply to a specific species.
Ground beetles
They may not be the prettiest beetles in the garden, but they are extremely hard workers. These small, often dark-coloured beetles scurry across the ground on their robust legs and usually do their useful work at night. That's when they destroy slug eggs, potato beetle larvae, wireworms, aphids and mites. Sounds pretty practical, doesn't it?
Bumblebees
In addition to bees, bumblebees are also important pollinators in our garden. With their long proboscises, they can reach deeper flowers that other pollinators cannot reach. They start pollinating earlier than other pollinators and are ready for action even in bad weather as they can regulate their body temperature.
Nematodes
These tiny organisms are known as nematodes and are barely visible to the naked eye. There are over 20,000 different species of nematodes, which differ in their characteristics and diet. Some species are harmful, while others can be beneficial to plants. They move actively in the soil and fight pests by infecting and killing them.
The ideal environment for beneficial insects
For those who want to turn their garden into an insect paradise, there are a few simple steps to follow. With the right conditions, not only can beneficial insects be attracted, but a vibrant and diverse ecosystem can be created. Here are some tips on how to achieve this:
- Cosy hiding places: allowing a few corners of the garden to grow wild and stacking dead wood or creating piles of leaves creates ideal habitats for insects such as ladybirds or ichneumon wasps. They not only find cosy places to hibernate, but also safe havens.
- A variety of flowers: Creating a colourful mixture of different flowering plants attracts a large number of insects that enjoy the richly laid table. Native plants are particularly popular and serve as a regional favourite restaurant for the little garden friends.
- No room for invaders: Invasive plants not only take up space, but also make it difficult for native insects to feel at home. It is therefore better to rely on native plants, which are like a feel-good programme for the little winged creatures.
- Thirst quenchers for all: Spreading shallow bowls of water around the garden allows insects to refresh themselves. This is particularly important as they also get thirsty from time to time.
Make the right choice: Tips for buying beneficial insects
There are a few important points to consider when buying beneficial insects for the garden. Firstly, it is crucial to accurately identify the pests in your own garden. Some companies offer the option of sending in samples of the pests or offering online tools for pest identification. Once the pests are known, it is advisable to select the appropriate beneficial insects. Different beneficial insects have different hunting strategies and specialise in different pests. It is therefore important to select those that are best suited to the specific pest problems.
Another important point is the quality of the beneficial insects. They should come from a trustworthy supplier and be in good condition to fulfil their task effectively. Before buying, it is advisable to find out how to use the beneficial insects correctly. Some need to be applied at certain times or under certain conditions. It is important to follow the supplier's instructions exactly in order to maximise the effectiveness of the beneficial insects.
In addition to effectiveness, environmental compatibility is also an important aspect. The beneficial organisms used should not have a negative impact on other organisms in the garden and should be targeted at pest control without upsetting the ecological balance. By taking these points into account, the purchase of beneficial insects can help to promote the health and diversity of the garden.
Beneficial insects in the garden are essential for plants to thrive. They help to maintain the ecological balance and offer a sustainable alternative to chemical pest control. By promoting a diverse environment and the conscious use of beneficial insects, gardeners can make a positive contribution to the preservation of nature. Conscious action in harmony with nature leads to a harmonious cycle in the garden and supports the long-term health of the entire ecosystem.
Cover picture: Nurkamol/Pexels
Author
As a senior editor, Benjamin Seibring specialises in developing content on sustainability, mobility, technology and lifestyle. An editorial traineeship at a German media group and his many years of experience in corporate publishing form the basis. With a high affinity for trend topics and innovative AI tools, he implements cross-media storytelling.
