Pest ControlPest Control
The balance of nature is maintained when beneficial predator insects and birds keep insect pests at non-threatening levels.
As well as pests, adult beneficials feed on the pollen and nectar of herb flowers. Herb flower pollen and nectar is very easy to access for larger beneficial insects such as lady birds, lacewings, native bees and also birds. Herb flowers provide long term food and accommodation for beneficial insects as they remain in flower for many months.
Interplant a selection of these plants with your vegetables, fruit trees, roses, perennials, and shrub beds. The following plants are very quick to flower:- Borage, Dill, German Chamomile, Nasturtium, Pineapple Sage and Elder are excellent bird attractors.
By swapping chemicals for flowers in our backyards, we are taking a small step for the planet and a large one for the future well being of our family, friends, pets and wildlife.
The alledged insect repelling abilities of herbs have been part of Northern Hemisphere folklore for some time. Our macho Australian garden pests are somewhat sceptical of European traditions and have, in the main, ignored them.
To demonstrate their post colonial independence of thought some Aussie pests have been seen dining on these fabled insect repelling plants from north of the equator. As a result, insect repelling plants have a rather spotty reputation in the land of Oz.
Modern research into biological pest control shows that attracting beneficial insects with flowering herbs is much more rewarding.
Many herbs contain substances which protect them from pest attack. Unfortunately these compounds do not protect neighbouring plants. However if these ingredients are extracted from the herb and used as a gardening spray they will kill or repell pests.
Until you achieve a balance between beneficial insects and garden pests, you may need to make your own spray to minimise damage to your plants.
