The Xerces Society Guide - Farming with Native Beneficial Insects by Eric Lee-Mader, Jennifer Hopwood, Lora Morandin, Mace Vaughan and Scott Hoffman Black

By The Xerces Society
Farming with Native Beneficial Insects
The Xerces Society Guide to Ecological Pest Control Solutions
by Eric Lee-Mader, Jennifer Hopwood, Lora Morandin, Mace Vaughan and Scott Hoffman Black

Empirical research is pointing to the overwhelming pest control benefits provided by native insects. Many of these beneficial insects rely exclusively on native plants and the insect species which co-exist. Farming with Native Beneficial Insects examines the ecology of these insects while including methods for multiplying their population through habitat design and management. This guide also outlines common species of predatory insects, parasitoids and non-insect predators such as spiders, in addition to the native plant species most suitable for beneficial insects.

Lady beetles, syrphid flies, lacewings, and other beneficial insects prey upon crop pests, reducing or eliminating the need for pesticides. This comprehensive guide describes how to recognize these insects and their habitat, and how to evaluate, design, and improve habitat for them. Close-up photography and in-depth profiles familiarize you with more than 20 beneficial insects and their kin. Step-by-step illustrated instructions detail specific solutions including native plant field borders, mass insectary plantings, hedgerows, cover crops, buffer strips, beetle banks, and brush piles.