In this secton on Insect How-To, I hope to share with you some helpful information on identifying your multi-legged friends & foes. My goal is to help you reach a state of tolerance towards insects in your garden. Remember, insects in a garden are a sign of a healthy garden!

I also hope to share with you certain philosophies that will help you determine if you actually have a big enough insect problem in your garden to merit taking corrective action.

The mere presence of pest insects in the garden does not automatically mean life-threatening damage is taking place to your plants.

Predatory insects (like ladybugs) EAT pest insects. Therefore, if you continually nuke your garden, killing off all insect life, you will never be able to take advantage of the pest control methods Mother Nature offers.

Birds are WONDERFUL allies in keeping down the population of pest insects. Okay, they eat good insects, too, but if you can attract insect-eating birds to your garden, you'll notice a reduction in insect damage.

Keep in mind that if you do have to take corrective action, you only need to target the specific plant or area that needs help. You don't need to nuke your entire garden.