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WHO WE ARE > Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects (Good bugs)
Below:
• General
• Birds as pests
GENERAL
It may come as a surprise to you that the beneficial insects in our farms - yards and
gardens far outnumber the pest insects. Some insects become a part of the life cycle of the
plants by acting as pollinators, while others keep harmful insects in check by parasitizing or
feeding on them. When we use chemicals to rid the farms - gardens of pests, we are also
eradicating beneficial insects, and often create an imbalance that effects the overall health
of the farm - garden.
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BIRDS AS PESTS
Birds are both friend and foe to the farmer - gardener because they help control insect
populations in the farm - garden, but they can also damage your crops. I don't begrudge birds
an occasional nibble, but if they seriously damage your farm - garden or spoil your harvest
it's time to take action. Try some of these tips to help control your bird population:
Scare Tactics
- Birds can sometimes be frightened off by plastic snakes, inflatable owls, and other
devices that resemble predators. Reposition them occasionally so that they appear to be moving
around the farm - garden.
- Unusual noises also frighten birds. Try humming lines, aluminium pie plates, or portable
radios.
- (At gardens), Your cats and dogs will help convince the birds to find another
place to nest.
- Flashing lights work for some birds.
Distract Them - Plant alternative food sources to distract the birds from
your crop.
Eliminate Nesting Sites - Birds like to nest in sheltered areas. Prune fruit trees
so that the canopy is open and remove any potential ground nesting sites.
Physical Controls - When all else fails, cover your crops with netting or floating
row covers.
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