Just Eat The Aphids Already!

     It was a bit disappointing to see tiny aphids hatching out in the garden.  Most folks would douse the garden with insecticides but that is not an option in my garden.  No chemicals!  Anyway, the aphid babies were pretty much making a mess of things all the while I pondered the best method of removal.  Then, I spied my answer.  Creepy crawling on the pea plants were ladybugs...or, at least ladybugs of sorts.  Asian Beetles with their happy Ws on their heads were invading the garden!  Who cares where these critters came from as long as they eat the aphids!

  Supposedly, the easy way to tell the difference in Asian Beetles and Ladybugs is by a clear W on the head of the Asian variety.  Our local critters don't have that monogram.  To be honest, it matters not.  They are all Ladybird Beetles just from different areas and they all eat aphids.  Oh, happy day!

  

The Cute Exterminator!

   This, my friends, is the best kind of pest control for the garden!  It is free.  It is clean.  It is efficient.  There are several birds that hop around in the garden between the rows of cabbages and mustard greens.  This little wren has the better idea of sitting on the fencepost while keeping a watchful eye on the plants.  The first wiggle of a caterpillar brings the bird to life and it hops off the post and is soon snatching its prize.  Once one worm is in its belly, the little bird lets out a loud chirring for all of its family to join it for lunch.  Soon, there are several wrens busy as can be.  They are cleaning the leaves of any and all bugs.  

  Today, the wren braved the cool winds to stand "bug watch" while the other wrens went off in search of possible places to forage.  They will be back as soon as this one calls.  Their presence is one of the reasons that I refuse to use any insecticides in the garden.  There is no way I would ever do anything to hurt my critter friends and especially not those that are so helpful.  Who needs to put harmful chemicals out when you have such cute, little exterminators that work for free?