Western Mountains and High Plains
May, 2011
Regional Report
Web Finds
Beneficial Insects -University of Idaho
To help you learn more about insects and arthropods that prey on or parasitize insect pests, the University of Idaho's Beneficial Insects has photos and brief descriptions about each of them. It is a good start to help in identification so you won't harm these natural controls in your garden and landscape.
Clever Gardening Technique
Protect Plants Before Painting
If your spring cleanup includes painting the house, protect plants safely. Don't use plastic sheeting as it will rapidly cook your plants. Instead, cover shrubs, perennials, and other plants with a drop cloth or old bed sheets. Use an old bed sheet or curtain to gently pull shrubbery away from the house if needed. Remove ties and drop cloths as soon as you're finished.
