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A couple of years ago we replaced our PVC window frames with beautiful wooden ones. And last week I discovered that they have attracted a number of hibernating insects.As the sun shone for the first time in weeks, I opened all the windows to let

, seem to be around in remarkably similar numbers. In my garden it's business as usual: lily beetles have been feasting on my lilies, while scale insects appear to have increased in number.But where are the aphids? We’re now into mid-July and I

If I had to describe myself, I'd say I was a nature lover. I'm forever taking the side of birds, insects, amphibians and mammals, and can argue the case for just about any creature, even pests. But at this time of year there is one exception

in it's own slug-trap cup. We had a scoring system which scored plus points for slugs and snails caught, and negative points for each ground beetle or other beneficial insect caught. Guinness was the resounding winner. I'm pleased to say that it works

years seems to have produced a bumper crop of them. Right now they look stunning in my grass (no, I don't call it a lawn) and the central strip of my drive. They're well loved by many insects and adored by the local rabbits (I wonder if this is a good

by the tendency of these little birds to strip yellow flowers, such as crocus, but so what? And don't forget that the adults not only eat weed seeds, but they also feed their young with insects and their larvae. All-in-all, sparrows are a delight and a help

started trying to cram them into the potting shed instead).And it was fascinating to see just what the trends were - I saw hordes of scale insects and plenty of powdery mildew. There were also a worrying number of yellowed raspberry leaves - some caused

.I carefully inspected the contents of one of most popular window frames for insect hibernation, and the same seemed to be true: most native ladybirds are fine and most harlequins are dead.  I have a feeling Mother Nature may have been taking action

quantity of my crops, rather than let the pests have them, but I always try to do this by using barriers and preventative measures, rather than by being a dealer in death. There are exceptions: houseflies and horseflies top the list of insects that I do try

raspberries which are affected, but also blackberries , logan berries and other hybrid berries  that are at risk. But whatever the crop, only spray at dusk to minimize the risk of damage to bees and other beneficial and pollinating insects.