Predators are one of the primary groups used in the biological control of insects and mite pests. These include some of the larger insects and spiders along with amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles. Spiders are major predators in the garden. Most common garden spiders are observed in the open during the day are not likely […]
Protect your Garden Predators! Read More »
Got problems with rats, mice, or gophers? Interested in environmentally friendly methods to help reduce these pests? It’s easy – support your local owls and encourage them to hang around! These ethereal birds of the night that you’re more likely to hear than see, can be a boost to an overall approach at controlling unwanted
Birds of the night Read More »
Vultures get a bad rap. Generally thought of as ugly scavengers, vultures are easy to dismiss. Even naturalist Charles Darwin described them as ‘disgusting’. But when you look more closely, you’ll realize the world is better off with vultures. Although these enormous birds display some odd behaviors, they play a crucial role in the environments
Protect Nature’s Clean-up crew! Read More »
Fall is a great time to spruce up your yard with some new plants. Consider adding plants that attract and support natural enemies that can help manage pest populations. And try some natives! You can introduce more biodiversity that helps your yard be more resilient to pests and diseases, while conserving water. Because they evolved
Fall is for Planting Natives! Read More »
Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley announced new legislation that would create a pollinator-friendly plant labeling program, modeled after the Organic Foods Production Act that created organic labeling. The program would require the Department of Agriculture to create a certification program for plant producers in order to certify that their plants are not treated with pesticides
Pollinator Protection News Read More »
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a dragon? Is it a fly? What in the world is a dragonfly? These unique creatures obviously aren’t birds, planes, dragons, or flies. They are extraordinary insects that predate dinosaurs by more than 100 million years and birds by some 150 million. In fact, a
Invite Dragonflies into your Garden Read More »
World Snake Day, held every year on July 16, aims to increase awareness about the more than 3,500 snake species that exist across the world. It’s a good time to recognize these natural pest controllers! Gardeners should be glad to see snakes glide through the garden. These much-maligned reptiles consume garden pests, including slugs, grubs,
Slithering Garden Good Guys Read More »
National Pollinator Week, this year June 19 – 25, is an annual event celebrated internationally in support of pollinator health. It’s a time to celebrate pollinators and spread the word about what we can do to protect them. Pollinator Week was initiated and is managed by Pollinator Partnership, and fifteen years ago the U.S. Senate’s
It’s National Pollinator Week! Read More »
The saying goes that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you’ve seen a toad ambling around your garden, most likely, beauty isn’t the first thing that comes to your mind. Many think these bumpy, jumpy, lumpy-looking creatures are just plain ugly. Yet they’re incredibly beneficial creatures – a toad or two in
Toads in the garden are a good thing Read More »
Beneficial insects aka natural enemies or good bugs are predators that help control pests. Some common ones you’re likely to see in the spring garden include: Green lacewings – recognizable with their slender pale green body, delicate gossamer wings and immense golden eyes. The adult consumes only pollen and nectar; it’s the young form that
Look for the Garden Good Guys Read More »
