Native moths, much like butterflies, play a crucial role in plant pollination. They also provide a food supply for a variety of other species.
In spite of the difficulties posed by invasive species, the many thousands of species of beneficial moths should have a place in nature and in our gardens, where they belong.
Some people find moths eerie or strange, possibly because they equate moths with nibbling on wool garments or aggressively flapping against patio lighting at night.
However, the reality is that they are related to butterflies, and whether or not you find them scary, they serve a crucial role. Moths, like butterflies, play an important role in pollination.
They are also dependent on plants for the sustenance of their young. In addition, they serve as an important source of food for a wide variety of other species.
Moths also help plants by pollinating flowers while feeding on the nectar they provide. This contributes to the formation of seeds. This is beneficial not only to wild plants but also to many of our food crops, the successful harvest of which depends on moths and other insects.
Common Moth Species found In the Garden
A typical garden may provide shelter for dozens, if not hundreds, of different moths. Some of them are easy to identify, such as the blood vein, yellow-tail, mother-of-pearl, ruby tiger, flame shoulder and brimstone moth.
The majority of moths have to consume nectar to maintain the level of energy required for flight. Because certain flowers produce more nectar than others, it is possible to transform your garden into a more effective feeding station.
This is done by selecting the flowers and plants that produce the most nectar. You should make it a goal to have plenty of flowers that produce nectar in as many months as possible, including the beginning of spring, the end of summer, and the beginning of fall.
Plants with a scent only noticeable at night are especially beneficial for moths. These plants developed their nighttime fragrance to get moths to pollinate their blossoms.
It is essential to try and give food to the caterpillars to make your garden a favorable habitat for moths. Additionally, it is important to supply flowers that provide nectar for the adult moths in your garden.
While the caterpillars of some moth species will consume the leaves of a relatively wide variety of plants, the majority of moth caterpillars are limited to eating the leaves of only a few plant species or even just one plant.
It is more likely that more varieties of caterpillars will find a home in a garden that contains a wider range of plant species. Native plants that are already present in the area are the ones that have the best chance of attracting caterpillars.
Because of this, it is important to take note of the types of plants that grow in hedgerows, verges and neighboring fields.
Is it safe to put mothballs in my garden?
Mothballs are frequently utilized as a pest control method, even though they present several risks.
- Potentially kill plants
When mothballs decompose, the released fumes and chemicals can cause harm to the leaves of plants. This prevents the plants from producing adequate amounts of oxygen through photosynthesis.
As a direct consequence of this, your plants run the risk of turning yellow, stunted and ultimately dying. The presence of naphthalene in the soil may also harm the root structures of the plants.
- Hazardous to humans and pets
Unluckily, mothballs are highly dangerous to both people and animals. Because of this, you should not use them in places where people or animals can accidentally come into contact with them.
- May Increase the risk of experiencing respiratory issues:
Mothballs give off a toxic gas that can lead to headaches and even convulsions in some people. In addition, the vapors given off by mothballs can harm humans, leading to various respiratory and other health problems.
- Combustible
Because naphthalene is extremely flammable, you should not use mothballs close to a fire.
- Environmental pollution
The chemicals found in mothballs have the potential to leak into the soil. They can cause damage to plants and pollute groundwater. When you use mothballs outside, they can pollute the water and soil.
What is the ideal way to use mothballs in your garden?
Mothballs are a typical item in homes and have a place in the garden. It is most popular to use them to prevent moths from causing damage to clothing. However, you can use them outside to prevent other pests from destroying plants.
The most effective technique to use them in the garden is to place the plant inside a clear plastic bag, similar to a bag used for cleaning, before applying the mothballs.
After that, put some mothballs inside and put the lid on it for one week. This will result in an odor that deters pests without harming the plant.
In addition, you can scatter the mothballs along the garden’s border, particularly close to points of entry that insects and other pests are likely to use.
Mothballs, when broken apart, produce a gas that, when inhaled by insects or other vermin, is lethal to them. Because the gas is so good at driving away insects and other pests, the garden will remain free of these unwanted visitors.
But when using mothballs, it is essential to exercise caution. This is because, if not handled properly, they pose a risk to children’s and pets’ health.
Mothballs have the potential to be a useful tool in the fight against pests in your garden, provided that you apply them appropriately.
Conclusion
Moths may spend their entire lives in a single garden, in contrast to the majority of pollinators, which only visit other gardens.
Gardens that contain a variety of plant species, such as trees, flowers, grasses and shrubs, are more likely to attract moths. A garden that is hospitable to moths should not use pesticides.
Mulch, not rock, ought to be included in it as well. Providing moths and their larvae with safe hiding places is important. It is best to let plant clippings and fallen leaves accumulate to some degree.
If you have many different kinds of plants in your garden, then a greater number of moths will be able to call it home.
You should strive to have a variety of large and small flowering plants, as well as a few shrubs and, if there is space, a small tree. The types of plants that you select to grow might also have a significant impact.
Adult moths need a good amount of food, and flowers with a lot of nectar will do the trick. Caterpillars, on the other hand, require specific kinds of plants to satisfy their nutritional needs.