Birds, bees, and butterflies as important pollinators. Did you know there are lots of other pollinators, like ants, beetles, moths, and even the wind? While often considered the ugly cousin of the butterfly, moths are not only beneficial pollinators, they’re often equally gorgeous! There are more species of moths in the U.S. than all the […]
Moths are Pollinators Too! Read More »
Neonicotinoids (commonly referred to as neonics) are the most widely used insecticides in the world, commonly used on farms, in our gardens, schools, and city landscapes. They are systemic insecticides – they are absorbed into plants and can be present in pollen and nectar, making them toxic to bees and many other beneficial insects. These
Given their muted colors, their unjust reputation as just pests, and their night flying nature, most people fail to take notice of moths. Yet they outnumber butterflies, their nearest relative, by more than 10 to 1. And there are upward of 11,000 moth species in the United States alone — that’s more than all the
National Moth Week is July 17 – 25 Read More »
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. Consume many prey during their development. Are generally larger than their prey. All life stages may be predators; some are only predators
Support your Garden Predators! Read More »
It’s an opportunity to learn more about the importance of pollinators and – brace yourself – imagine a world without bees. And check out Pollinators Under Pressure. Want to amaze your friends? Mention these pollination fast facts. Better yet, make it a point to try these 7 things you can do for pollinators with friends and family.
It’s National Pollinator Week – June 21 – 27. Read More »
You’re shopping in the nursery for some fertilizer, and you spy an “all in one” product that claims to take care of feeding and protecting your flowers and shrubs for 6 weeks. These multi-purpose products, often marketed as “All in One” or “3 in 1” contain a mixture of fertilizer, insecticide, and fungicide. While it
All-in-One Garden Products May do More Harm than Good Read More »
May 20 is World Bee Day. The United Nations designated this day to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development. Bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats, and hummingbirds, are increasingly under threat from human activities. Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival
It’s World Bee Day! Read More »
April 22 is Earth Day – a time to reflect on what you can do to help protect the planet, beginning in your own back yard. Here are five things you can do: Grow your own fruit and vegetables. You’ll cut down on fuel used to transport food. Compost kitchen and garden waste. You’ll make
Five things you can do help the planet Read More »
Being bugged by pesky mosquitos or moths? Want some help reducing their numbers? Encourage bats to hang around! Often having the undeserved reputation of nighttime villain, these furry, winged mammals are beneficial to the environment. They consume huge numbers of night-flying insects, pollinate plants and disperse seeds. As long as they’re not roosting under your
Bug-Eating Bats Help Control Garden Pests and More! Read More »
Spring is nearly here, and flowers are blooming – bulbs, fruit trees, vines and more. National Plant a Flower Day, March 12, is a good time to get some plants in the ground, and especially those that can attract and support beneficial insects in the yard. Planting a Healthy Garden includes types of plants to
Plant Some Flowers Read More »
