Spraying roses or any other plant that's being attached by greenfly and aphids is harmful to other wildlife and let's be honest, it can't be great for you either.
Lacewings, part of the Chrysopidae family, are insects recognized for their intricate, lacy wings adorned with delicate patterns of veins. These creatures, found globally, serve a vital role in the ecosystem as insect predators.
Typically green or brown, lacewings can also appear in yellow or white variations. They boast long antennae, large compound eyes suited for low-light hunting, slim legs, and translucent wings veined intricately.
Lacewings experience complete metamorphosis, progressing through egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Eggs are usually laid beneath leaves, hatching into voracious larvae that prey on various insects like aphids, mites, and caterpillars. After feeding, larvae cocoon into pupae, transforming before becoming adults.
Thriving in diverse habitats from forests to gardens, lacewings are globally spread, favoring warm, humid environments and being most active during evenings and nights.
Lacewings play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, especially aphids that
harm crops and plants. By targeting pests, lacewings help maintain ecological balance, serving as a food source for birds and small mammals.
But did you know that you can introduce them into your garden by buy live larvae? As easy as that! Follow the instructions on the bottle and let nature take care of itself. No more nasty spraying.
Other ways to control aphids include simply wiping them off plants, encouraging more birds into your garden with bird tables and baths, or spraying using a water/washing up liquid mix.
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