Though I don’t have a yard, I do have a little oasis of a roof deck. Every so often, I have a massive outbreak of some bug or another. As a kid, my parents used Malathion and other scary-sounding death sprays to try to keep grasshoppers and the like in check, but what’s an eco-minded bug lover to do? In other words, WWND (What Would Nature Do)?

In nature, everything is kept in balance. If something is taking over your yard (or my yucca) it’s because that balance is out of whack. To get things back in check, it is often effective to introduce your pest’s natural enemy. Enter the ladybug.

Available in little refridgerated tubs at many hardware stores, ladybugs love to eat aphids and other soft-bodied insects. Since we’ve had several infestations of this kind, I have a lot of experience with ladybugs - they are quite effective. Plus, you get to play with them before they get to work.

Today, though, the problem is the caterpillars that are munching their way through my geraniums. Since ladybugs aren’t the answer, I turned to Organic Gardening for help. There, they have a directory of the beneficial insects that can be used to conquer many common pest problems. The directory also provides tips for ways to attact these beneficial bugs. For example, predatory bugs like ambush bugs and assassin bugs (see, I TOLD you bugs were cool!) are attracted to bunch grasses, shrubs and other permanent plantings that provide them shelter.

As for my caterpillars, I think that I’ll try lacewings, which feed on many insects including small caterpillars and moth eggs. Since they feed mainly on nectar flowers, maybe they will stick around for awhile.

Just remember that when turning to these rememdies, you need a little patience – the cycle of life doesn’t work overnight. And if you get the itchies reading about all of these bugs, don’t feel bad…so did I.

Photo credit: Jon Sullivan and Wikipedia