How long does it take to establish beneficial insects?

When introducing beneficial insects, a natural schedule and timeline exist that is unique to each species and a specific set of conditions. For example, lacewings in my garden were established as permanent residents after continued efforts over two springs, while my work studying parasitic wasps and introducing them to my garden resulted in establishment in one season. Most species tend to reduce pests quickly over time, but establishing a self-sustaining colony relies on a set of habitat elements and seasonal cycles that will not happen overnight.

Seasonal preparation speeds up establishment significantly. Each fall, I prepare overwintering habitats by leaving piles of leaves and installing insect hotels. My spring releases coincide with the emergence of pests. Your colonies will develop more quickly if you provide resources before adding insects.

I monitor the establishment process, and the good news is that you will be doing this too! I use yellow sticky traps to count the insects in your area on a weekly basis. I also look for egg cases, larvae, and nesting behaviors. Your insects are established when you witness adults that overwinter in their environment emerging each spring without the need for re-supplying.

With intensive habitat creation, urban gardens can be established sooner than those with less intensive habitat creation. I was able to support lacewings in my balcony garden using vertical plantings one season. Container gardens require daily moisture checks. With spatial design and resource concentration, you should attain similar results despite a small area in your garden.

Read the full article: Beneficial Insects Garden Natural Pest Control