This is the fifth article in a series written by Sue Baker of Dunbogan Bushcare and National Parks Association Mid North Coast, partners groups in the Restoring Natural Values Project Dunbogan Crowdy Bay National Park Habitat Corridor Project. Funded by the NSW Environmental Trust. The $129,333 grant funds will be used for major weeding and planting work over four years.
Not all insects that crawl, fly, buzz or crawl are our enemies. Insects play a key role in ecosystems. They provide food for millions of other living things, including crops, by pollinating plants and dispersing seeds.
A global review of 2019 found that 40% of all insect species are in decline. Insects could become extinct in a century at this rate. Bee colonies are eroding. With 33% of species endangered, the total insect mass is falling by 2.5% annually. These effects can lead to ecosystem collapse. Pesticides are used in large quantities in agriculture. It doesn’t help that chemicals are used in domestic gardens.
We can all make a difference by changing the way we use garden chemicals. Consider whether the pest is actually doing any harm. A healthy garden will have plenty of good-guy bugs that will keep the bad guys at bay.
Garden chemicals can kill good-guy critters and sometimes birds and animals that eat them. They can leach into soil and contaminate groundwater, which can then end up in waterways, just like the chemicals that are disposed of in trash bins. There are many options for organic and ecochemical pest and disease control. But always check the label to make sure you understand what it contains. There are many home remedies you can try, including milk, soap, or bicarb soda.
Instead of using poisonous snail baits, which can cause injury to the animals and pets that eat them (and even their pets), you can put out a saucer with beer or wine or choose a non-harmful brand.
Chemical fertilisers are often high in salt, which isn’t good for the environment.
Organic fertilisers are best, such as compost, mulch, blood, bone, and fish and seaweed oils, and organic fertilisers like manures.
You can dispose of old containers and chemicals by taking them to your nearest waste transfer station (free of charge). You can also drop off old paint tins and fluorescent globes, as well as car batteries, for free. https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/…/Waste…/Drop-off-for-free
Dunbogan Bushcare group is available Monday mornings. For more information, call 6559 7134. For Tuesday morning working parties at the Pilot Station, call 6559 6740. Friends of Kattang can call 0412 743 883.
