Hoverflies are green and brown, and can look like wasps but do not bite or sting. They are very helpful creatures to have in the garden. Hoverflies come into the garden when the weather starts to warm up, and you should start seeing them now.
The larvae of hoverflies feed by sucking on aphids so they are termed natural predators. You'll see them hovering almost motionless in the air. They lay eggs on leaves among aphid colonies and the soft larvae emerge surrounded by food, they find aphids delicious!
Other natural predators which should not be sprayed in your garden include ladybirds, the praying mantis, lacewings, ant lions, dragon flies, wasps, and don't forget bees and birds.
Ladybirds, both larvae and adults, eat aphids, mites, mealy bugs and scale. The praying mantis eats aphids and thrips. Dragon flies eat small beetles, flies and mosquitoes which is good for the gardener as much as the garden. Wasps which are not so attractive to gardeners are fantastic predators. Many feed on caterpillars even laying their eggs inside the body of the caterpillar.
Warning: Organic sprays will kill beneficial bugs such as hoverflies, ladybeetles, dragonflies and the beautiful bees too. If you must use homemade chive, garlic or soap sprays, do it in the evening when all the bees have gone home.
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