Nature is taking control of pests

Published on 05 December 2019

Bugs have been deployed to protect Hobart’s most valued garden. Ladybirds and wasps have been used for the first time as part of the City’s Integrated Pest Management Strategy (IPM) to help eliminate destructive pest species at the University Rose Garden.

“Hobart is famous for its beautiful flowers. Every year we maintain thousands of plants to beautify the city. We are taking the leadership role in testing the beneficial bugs as a natural solution to protect our gardens,” Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.

Ladybirds and wasps are extensively used throughout Australia in the horticulture and agriculture industries. They prey on harmful insects such as aphids stopping them from causing damage to crops and garden plants as well as spreading disease.

“Aphids are a very significant issue for our roses and annual displays, especially in spring and summer. Once the ladybirds and wasps naturalise in the garden they will create an environment for the good bugs to thrive in and get the problem under their control,” Cr Reynolds said.

The University Rose Garden has over 700 rose bushes from more than 40 varieties and the numbers are planned to be increased over the coming months. Approximately 600 wasp eggs and 200 adult ladybirds have been released over a three-week period to protect the garden.

The IPM is planned to be rolled out in other parks that have roses or issues with aphids to reduce or eliminate the use of insecticides in the City of Hobart municipality.

“We look forward to monitoring the results of the trial with the view to expanding the program to other areas for the benefit of the public, environment and our crews,” Cr Reynolds said.