This Year, Why Not Zap Your Bad Garden Bugs with Good Ones?

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IN CONCLUSION

It's easy—when you're constantly confronted by examples of the damage that insects can do—to lose sight of the fact that insects (in their various forms) comprise about 85% of all the living creatures on this earth, plants and other organisms notwithstanding . . . just as it's easy to forget that of all the insects in the world, only one percent fall into the "pest" category.

Given these facts, doesn't it make sense to stop thinking of all insects as "bad"—to stop using chemical pesticides (which kill beneficial insects along with the pests)—and, instead, to start giving "good" insects their due? Don't put it off any longer. Give biological control a try this year. I think you'll be glad you did.

INSECTS FOR THE HOME

If you've always thought that insects belong outside—not inside—the home . . . you're right. Most insects do belong outside. Some kinds of bugs, however, can prove to be exceedingly useful indoor companions.

Mantises—for instance—will quietly (almost shyly) scour your home for insects. These fine creatures come the closest of all insects to being true pets: They'll learn to drink water from your spoon and even take raw meat—or live food—from your hand.

Likewise, house centipedes can do a good job of keeping damp, dark basements free of insect pests. (You won't find many roaches, flies, or clothes moths in your dwelling if there are house centipedes around.)

Spiders tend to find their way indoors whether we want them around or not . . . but that's just as well. In the first place, spiders are less apt to bite you than you might think . . . and—except in the case of the black widow or the brown recluse—spider venom isn't very poisonous anyway (unless you're allergic to it). Second, these elusive eight-legged creatures can really keep a house free of flies, moths, and mosquitoes. So the next time you see a spider in your house, either look the other way (chances are you'll never see it again) or gently scoop the critter up and place it outside on a plant. But for heaven's sake don't kill this best friend you ever had!— RS.

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