Beginners? Not sure whether to shoo or woo? Start by identifying the insect. Play detective, & do a little research. After all, permaculture is information intensive. As a fellow beginner, I still depend on outside sources rather than inside instincts.
You can try to identify your guests, or at least narrow the search, here: http://www.discoverlife.org/. Click on the IDNature Guides tab at the top of the page.
The exquisite dragonfly (Anisoptera) has been granted shoo-immunity and is my current insect hero. A predator insect, dragonflies, prey upon many types of pests, such as mosquitoes and aphids. They also make great photo subjects. At Glacial Lakes Permaculture, we appreciate their appetite. We want them to call GLP 'home'. Our invitation: many perching points, for our predators to scan below for the pests we curse, and they crave. Perching points can be natural: virtually any stem, stick or branch with a dragonfly sized landing strip; or man made: such as fence posts, tree supports, or an espalier* wire. In permaculture we consider the functions of all components of our system. Perching, can be taken into consideration as a valuable function when determining where and what to plant.
"Location, Location, Location"
"Dragonfly sized landing strip"
*more on Glacial Lakes Permaculture's very own espalier to come.
Copyright © 2011 Jacquelyn Marie Schneller.
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