Insects are vital to the biodiversity of the environment and beetles especially play an important role in every healthy garden according to experts. There are more than four thousand beetle species in the UK alone with the most common being ladybirds, ground beetles and rose chafers but how can the average gardener encourage these important creatures to make their homes in our gardens?
Leaving some part of the garden to grow wild is a simple way to encourage wildlife to stay in the garden as it provides an important habitat for many creatures. Grasses will flower and as well as offer a hiding place for insects they will provide food for birds who may visit.
Ladybirds are a valuable asset to any rose grower as they eat an enormous number of aphids through their lifetime. The distinctive seven spotted native species should be encouraged as it has become rarer in recent times.
The less well-known rose chafer beetle has a beautiful copper green colouring, and its grubs can often be found in compost heaps helping to breakdown rotting vegetation. By having a compost heap in the garden, you are already providing a perfect place for beetles to pupate and emerge as adults ready to attack aphids and prevent them decimating the blooms in your garden.