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Hi all,
I would like to experiment with more eco-friendly, biological pest control, but the only option I have found so far was Bug for Bugs. Is there any store that sells e.g. lacewing larvae in Perth?
Thanks!
Hi @perth9223,
Unfortunately, this is not a product we deal with, but there are certain things you can do to encourage lacewings to take up residence.
Encouraging beneficial insects for natural pest control is all about creating the right environment with food, shelter, and water. Many insects that prey on garden pests, such as lacewings, ladybugs, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps, rely on nectar and pollen as adults.
Planting a variety of flowering plants can keep them around year-round. Flowers like alyssum, marigolds, dill, fennel, coriander, lavender, and daisies are excellent choices because they attract these beneficial predators while also adding colour and variety to your garden.
Water is another essential element for beneficial insects. A shallow dish filled with pebbles and water creates a safe drinking source. Keeping these water sources topped up, particularly during dry weather, helps insects stay hydrated and active in pest control.
Providing mulch, leaf litter, or decaying wood in certain areas of your garden also encourages predatory insects like beetles and spiders. These ground-dwelling predators play a crucial role in controlling slugs, aphids, and caterpillars. Straw mulch, in particular, is excellent for creating microhabitats where beneficial insects can thrive.
Perhaps some of our experienced gardeners such as @Noelle, @mich1972 and @mashthyme can offer some further guidance.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Jacob
Hi @perth9223
There are several companies on the east coast of Aus that sell good bugs online. However, you would need to check with your local Dept of Primary Industries about "importing" them into WA, as many insects and plants cannot be shipped into WA due to strict bio-security regulations. What may be a friend in Sydney, for example, could be seen to possibly become a pest in Perth.
Do your homework about reputable online bio control and check local laws first before attempting to buy lacewing kits or similar.
as with the other comments. WA is a world of their own. I don't know. try Bugs for Bugs, they are in QLD if I remember correctly. but google is your friend.
also the adult lacewing flies into lights so like it dark. and rocket is a cook choice to plant too. the brown lacewing is also a great predator too.
and I wanna offer a bit of info to save the lives of overfly larvae. The hoverfly larvae eat aphids on brassicas, and they are green and look like the white butterfly larvae so be very careful when squashing the green caterpillar on your brassicas because she's probably munching on your aphids and not your cabbage 🙂
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