Not every bug is a bad bug

bugs that are causing damage. Today, I will be providing data on the beneficial insects and how you can help these good guys in the landscape from a UGA pamphlet on the topic.

The benefits of the pollinating insects cannot be undervalued. Their activity of pollination can play a very important benefit to humans. Did you know that pollinators such as bees, butterflies, ants, beetles, wasps and moths can pollinate one- third of the food we consume? This pollination work will include about 1,000 plants that are grown for food, fibers, spices, medicines and beverages. Simply put, if our bees and other pollinators were gone, many of our vegetables and fruits would be gone too.

UGA has been a leader in honey bee reach and teaching for decades. In addition, UGA helps coordinate the Young Harris Beekeeping Institute annually. This event gives beekeepers access to some of the top scientists and bee educators in the world. I will add that along with bees and other insects, even hummingbirds, bats and some small animals can be helpful for plant pollination.

One thing to keep in mind is that recently our honeybee and other pollinator numbers have been reducing at high rate. UGA is a leader in the Managed Pollinator Coordinated Agricultural Project. This is a $ 4.1 million national research effort to reverse pollinator decline. Some of the main reasons that have been found to aid in reducing our pollinator numbers is loss of habitat, disease and improper pesticide use. What can a person do to help these important pollinators? One suggestion is to plant a variety of native flowering plants, shrubs and trees to help provide pollen and nectar for the pollinators. In dealing with bad bugs, you can try non- chemical methods of treatment first. Some people will eliminate or reduce their pesticide use.

When you do spray, you can reduce your good bug numbers at the same time you are eliminating the culprit or bad insects. Before using a pesticide, I would first see if you really need to do so in the first place. This is where insect identification comes in because you may be actually seeing a high percentage of good insects. You may also need to decide if you are actually seeing plant damage.

Here are some tips if you need to use pesticides, but you want to keep the pollinators in mind. When you apply pesticides, timing is important. The best time to apply pesticides in regards to pollinators is at night after the sun has set. The Bt or Bacillus thuringiensis products on the market are a great biological pesticide that can control caterpillars with limited damage or no damage of good insects. If you use a pesticide, read the label. When you read the label, you can then apply by product directions and put out the correct amount of product. Remember that more is not better in pesticide application. As far as pesticide formulation, the granular, solutions and soluble powders seem to be better on the pollinators than dusts or wettable powders. Do not apply pesticides on windy days to reduce the chance of drift and you do not want pesticides to get on the actual flower blooms. Keep in mind that our farmers go through training and certification programs to be able to apply restricted use pesticides.

Note t hat homeowners have access to products at stores that can be just as toxic to our bees and other pollinators if you do not read the label and apply correctly.

Finally, if you like to garden, whether with flowers or vegetables, it is a good idea to research on the good and bad bugs in the area. Insects such as ladybug beetles, preying mantis and even spiders, for example, are beneficial insects. On the flip side insects such as squash bugs, stink bugs and aphids are on the bad or damaging bug list and should be dealt with. The more good bugs you can get to live on your property will reduce the damaging insects.

For more information, contact UGA ExtensionGordon County or email gbowman@uga.edu.