Farming With Native Beneficial Insects

Harness the power of beneficial insects to deter pests and reduce crop damage. This comprehensive guide to farming with insects will have you building beetle banks and native plant field borders as you reap a bountiful and pesticide-free harvest. With strategies for identifying the insects you're trying to attract paired with step-by-step instructions for a variety of habitat-building projects, you'll soon learn how to employ your own biocontrol conservation tactics. Lay out the brush piles and plant the hedgerows because the insects are going to love it here! The Xerces Society, one of the most prominent conservation organizations in the United States, presents a comprehensive guide to creating farm habitats that will attract beneficial insects to reduce crop damage from pests without using pesticides.
The Xerces Society is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon, that protects wildlife through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitat. Established in 1971, the Society is at the forefront of invertebrate protection worldwide, harnessing the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of citizens to implement conservation programs. They are the authors of 100 Plants to Feed the Bees, Farming with Native Beneficial Insects, and Attracting Native Pollinators.   

Eliminate Pesticides, Restore Biodiversity



GROW BOUNTIFUL ORGANIC CROPS while improving the biodiversity of your farm by making your land a welcoming place for native beneficial insects. Mantids, stink bugs, beetles, flies, wasps, and many others prey upon crop pests, reducing or eliminating the need for chemical pesticides.



Your first step is learning to identify these important farm heroes: close-up photography and in-depth profiles familiarize you with more than 20 beneficial insects and their kin. After assessing your land, current practices, and goals, you'll find detailed instructions for a host of projects, from beetle banks to organic buffers, to improve habitat for your insect helpers.



PLANTING PROJECTS FOR PROVIDING HEALTHY HABITATS INCLUDE:



• Hedgerows
• Insectary strips
• Native plant field borders
• Cover crops
• Contour buffer strips
• Grassed waterways

Preface

Part 1: Beneficial Insect Ecology

1. Pest Control with Beneficial Insects

What are Beneficial Insects? ~ Pest Control and Farming ~ Enhancing
Beneficial Insect Populations ~ Approaches to Biocontrol ~ Common
Predators and Parasitoids: Their Habitat and Prey

2. Why Farm with Native Beneficial Insects?

Pest Control ~ Benefits beyond Pest Control ~ Case Study: Pest
Management in Washington State Vineyards ~ Case Study:
Milkweed, Stink Bugs, and Georgia Cotton

3. Evaluating Beneficial Insect Habitat

Habitat Essentials ~ Farm Practices Checklist ~ Case Study:
Beneficial Insects Save Christmas

Part 2: Improving Beneficial Insect Habitat

4. Designing New Beneficial Insect Habitat

What Beneficial Insects Need ~ Habitat Size and Location ~
Wildflower Selection

5. Native Plant Field Borders

Establishing Borders from Seed ~ Site Preparation ~ Seeding ~ Long-Term
Maintenance ~ Sample Seed Mixes for Native Plant Field Borders

6. Insectary Strips

Perennials or Annuals? ~ Plant Insectary Strips ~ Case Study:
An Insectary Seed Mix for New Mexico Pumpkins ~ Sample
Insectary Seed Mixes

7. Hedgerows

Installing a New Hedgerow ~ Revitalizing Old Fencerows ~Sample
Hedgerow Plant Mixes ~ Case Study: Hedgerows on California Central Valley Farms

8. Cover Crops

Species Selection ~ Establishing a Cover Crop ~ Case Study:
A Better Farm for Beneficials

9. Conservation Buffers

Contour Buffer Strips ~ Grassed Waterways ~ Riparian Buffers
and Filter Strips ~ Shelterbelts and Windbreaks ~ Organic Farm Buffers ~
Case Study: Buffer Strips