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on the leaves.Dispose of fallen leaves that might have the bugs or eggs attached. Use the predatory ladybird Cryptolaemus montrouzieri when temperatures rise in summer. Also try spraying plants with fatty acids or plant oils. You may need to do this a few times

are your best allies. Ladybirds can be bought as a biological control, and you can also buy ladybird houses to encourage these helpful creatures to take up residence in your garden. They need time to tackle the problem, so don't expect them to hoover up

Make a bug boxEncourage helpful insects such as ladybirds, lacewings and bees into your garden by building them their own bug box. Giving them somewhere to shelter or hibernate, this simple to build home is perfect for gardeners who want to look

Jekka McVicar's 10 companion plantsJekka McVicar's organic herb garden achieved a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show 2009. We caught up with her at the show to discover her top 10 herbs for growing as companion plants.Companion planting

the nettle growth, too.)Nettles as aphid trapNettles are the number one destination for ladybirds with eggs to lay. These eggs turn into ladybird larvae, which predate on garden pests, including aphids, whitefly and red spider mite.Nettles for ladybirds

, ladybirds, lacewings and bees.Untreated timberHollow canes such as bambooPieces of branch or other woodWood saw2.5cm nails and hammerDrill and wood drill bitScrewdriver and self-tapping screwall year round2 hoursMake a simple box using scraps of untreated

. In severe cases, growth becomes distorted, leaves curl up, the plant weakens and can die.Natural predators, such as birds, earwigs, ladybirds, lacewings, hoverflies, ground beetles, spiders and parasitic wasps are a gardener's best allies. Some

Scarlet beetles (6mm - 8mm long) with black heads eat the leaves, flowers and seedpods of lilies and other members of the lily family. Don't mistake them for ladybirds. Between April and September the beetles lay eggs on the undersides of leaves

britishhedgehogs.org.uk for further information on how to help them.HedgehogsInsects readily hibernate in gardens. Bumblebees dig holes in the ground or rest in leaf litter, butterflies sleep in garages, sheds and between folds of curtains. Wasps, ladybirds