We focus so much on insects that bug us, sometimes we forget about the ones that have a positive impact. So what makes a bug beneficial? Maybe it pollinates for the continuation of crops, or it’s a predator of other pests. In this article, your tree professionals in Johnson City at Promier Tree want to look at insects that are beneficial for your backyard.
Pollinators
Pollination is required for seed plants. In pollination, pollen from the male anther is transported to a female stigma of the same species to create seeds for future plants. The pollen can be moved by wind, water, birds, bats, butterflies, animals and, of course, insects.
There has been quite a bit of media focus on the recent decline in the population of bees, and the potential decrease of our food supplies. We have to find ways to increase our various pollinators, including their larvae. We can do this by planning a garden that includes larvae friendly food sources. We also have to monitor the types of insecticide we use, and when we use them.
Predators and Parasites
A natural way to control pests, predators and parasites have been used as one part of pest management for crops. Beneficial predatory insects ideally should be released when the overall insect population is lower. These predators do not eradicate troublesome pests, but over time, a natural balance is reached.
For example, aphids can destroy gardens and trees, depleting our food sources. We all know a ladybug is supposed to bring us luck, but did you know they are a vicious predator of the aphid? Ladybug larvae can eat 40 aphids per hour. Lucky Ladybugs indeed!
Other heroes in the aphid war include the green lacewing and hoverflies. While the adults feed on pollen and nectar, aiding plant pollination, the larvae of these two species love to feast on aphids and caterpillars.
Spiders and Praying Mantis are probably the most well known of the predator beneficials. Just be cautious, as they are not specific feeders and have been known to eat other beneficial insects as well.
Beneficial insects for trees
Most trees are propagated from seed. Therefore, pollination is crucial for survival. Bees, wasps, flies, beetles and butterflies drink nectar from the flowering plants, and then transfer the pollen between blooms.
Honey, mason and bumblebees are all apple tree pollinators. Meanwhile, the glorious honeybee is best for the cherry tree. Both trees are commonly found in the East Tennessee region.
Certified arborists in Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol in Tennessee
If your trees were being besieged by troublesome insects and other pests, would you know? Likewise, if you came across beneficial insects, would you recognize them and know to leave them be? It takes a special set of knowledge to provide proper care for trees. An arborist is a tree professional who possesses the expertise you need. Promier Tree has several professional, highly-trained arborists on staff, and each of them is certified with the ISA. Let one of our arborists come out and perform a tree health evaluation. This will identify what insects, beneficial and harmful, might be congregating around your trees.
Schedule a consultation with one of our arborists today by contacting us online or call (423) 765-2626.