Beneficial Pests -Who are They?

Helpful Insect Predator on leaf in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control
beneficial pests

Beneficial Pests – Not all insects are pests. There are several species we refer to as beneficial insects that could help eliminate and control pests that do a great deal of damage to our beautiful gardens and lawns. Beneficial insects could be considered a component of biological control, which refers to the method of controlling pests using other living organisms. If you are new to this method then here are some reasons why you should consider using it to combat garden pests.

Here are 7 Beneficial Pests for Garden Pest Control

  • LadyBugs
  • Ground Beetles
  • Minute Pirate Bugs
  • Green Lacewings
  • Aphid Midges
  • Damsel Bugs
  • Braconid wasps

Before You Introduce Beneficial Pests

There are many benefits to introducing the bug predators, but before you do anything, here are some important things to consider.

  • Regulations & permits – you may potentially need a permit if you are importing certain species of insects. For example, here is a list of insects that don’t require import permits for California.
  • Neighbors – have the courtesy to tell and educate your neighbors on introducing beneficial insects. The last thing you want is for your neighbors to be spraying chemical pesticide all over the place, which in turn, could easily have a knock-on effect on your garden. Who knows? Your neighbors may also be willing to share the cost of investing in these beneficial insects too.
  • Optimal environment – make sure the climate and vegetation provides a suitable habitat for the beneficial insects. What’s also important is to make sure there is a low to medium population of the targeted pest in your garden. Otherwise, the insects may leave for an area with a more reliable source of food.

We at Southern Pest Control hope you have enjoyed this article about beneficial pests. When you however have unwanted pests, you need removed and eliminated from your home or offices, please call us at Southern Pest Control. We have been in the pest control industry in the Entire Gulf Coast Region for over 38 years. Please visit our website at www.southernpestcontrol.biz.

Bugs and Rain in the Spring

Kids and pests in the rain in the Mississippi gulf coast; Southern Pest Control

Bugs and Rain- Spring has gone and Summer is definitely here. How does the weather impact how bugs come out and belong a problem?

Pests are always looking a warm, safe shelter and dependable food source. And your home may be the perfect alluring place for them.

Since pests are influenced by the seasons, the threats they pose shift as the weather changes. To keep pests out and protect your home from invasion it is important to be aware of spring and summer pest patterns and take the proper precautions during these seasonal weather shifts.

In the spring temperatures warm up and the flowers bloom. With this mix of warmth and moisture pests emerge from their winter nesting spots and activity starts to increase. Bees and wasps awaken from their dormant state, termites may swarm and excess rains might bring ants indoors in search of higher-ground.

Springtime is also mating season. Although pest activity increases in the spring, majority of pest movement and patterns tend to occur outside of the home as pests seek food and water and look to mate. Some pests, however, will be looking for protected places, such as your home, to build a nest. You should be mindful of any changes you notice inside your home, such as a pile of bug wings or ant invasion. If you remain aware of regular insect patterns around and in your home each spring you’ll be better poised to notice abnormal insect or pest behavior and note your observations to a pest control professional.

Outside of ant invasions during rainy times, summer typically offers a reprieve from insects and pests seeking shelter in your home. The outdoors offers plenty of food and shelter. But remember summer is however the perfect time for our unwelcome friends the mosquito and the gnat. And, increases in the number of mosquitos and gnats often result from heavy summer rains, as water sources are a common breeding site. Both these pests make it hard to enjoy a nice summer evening on your back porch or patio.

In addition to the mosquito and gnat there are other insects include ticks, bees and wasps that become a problem in the summer. Bees and wasps may build their homes in any opening of your house, beneath overhangs or in the ground near the foundation of your home. Bees and wasps are annoying and present health risks when they attack humans, just like mosquitos and ticks. Trying to make sure that you deter these insects from building their homes near you and establishing a presence in your yard requires you to make an effort. However, by doing so it can definitely increase your ability to enjoy your outdoor space this summer.

We at Southern Pest Control hope that this information was beneficial. Remember if you have an out of control pest problem in your home or outdoors, we are here to help. We have been in the Pest Control business for over 37 years serving the entire Gulf Coast Region. Please call us at 800 527-9832 if we can help. Please visit our website at www.southernpestcontrol.biz to meet our team of experts and learn more about our services.