How to control aphids. It's simple. Put down the spray bottle of home remedy and do what the professionals do. Learn how, here.
All the Uncomfortable Facts about Fertilizer
why are there so many types of fertilizers? Why do some people claim one is better than the next. Here's a basic run-down of the facts so you can decide.
How Hanging Baskets Contribute to Aphid Control in Victoria, BC.
City of Victoria uses hanging baskets to add beauty to their city. They also use them to disperse aphid bio-control agent, Aphidoletes, around the city. No more sticky honeydew.
Never Buy Ladybugs!
Never buy Lady Bugs!! Seriously. For those of us who know ‘bugs’, and know biological pest control, there is only one reason for commercially available, lab-produced ladybugs: They are the “gateway bug;” An insect that people regularly see, generally like, and view as the poster-icon for beneficial insects. If shopping for “ladybugs” and even applying... Continue Reading →
Fruit Tree Pest Control
Fruit Tree Pest Control Pests in trees usually come and go. Seldom will a tree die from regular pest pressure. When they do, there is a reason: An introduced pest with no natural enemies, or a stressed tree suffering from something else. In fact, when someone has shown me a tree dying of a normal... Continue Reading →
Know Your Bugs: The American Hoverfly
Eupeodes americanus is a hoverfly species with a range from Alaska to Mexico - and maybe beyond and even in Europe. Hoverflies are often mistook for bees - or so I hear. They do have yellow/black or white/black markings, but unlike wasps or bees, they have short antenna, enormous fly-eyes, and only one pair... Continue Reading →
Why your Cannabis Bio-Control Program Failed.
Disclaimer: This is in no way intended to dismiss the fact that there is peer-reviewed research needed on the interaction between cannabis varietals and invertebrates. I have noticed, first-hand, some common cannabis-related factors that are limiting, or preventing the success of beneficial insects - and in some cases, even killing them. In most of these... Continue Reading →
The Preventative Tetrahedron of Bio-Control: A simple “how to”
The most difficult hurdle for many, in their jump to bio-control from chemical reliance, is the need to switch the habit of reacting to pest pressure, with the habit of preventing pests in the first place. Prevention is essential in three ways: One, it works. Two, it is least expensive. Three, it gives you more... Continue Reading →
Let the Harvest Begin!
Harvesting early and managing summer pests
Know your Bugs – Brown Lacewing, Micromus variegatus
Brown Lacewing, Micromus variegatus, is one of the lesser-known but highly-efficacious natural predators. Unlike its cousin - the green lacewing, whose larva are the only predators - Brown Lacewings are predatory at all life stages. In fact, the adults are likely the most voracious life stage. An introduction of brown lacewing into your crop... Continue Reading →