Plants can attract beneficial bugs.(Home & Garden)(Ask a master gardener)

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Q. I want to avoid using pesticides in my garden. Can you give me any hints on how to attract beneficial insects that will prey on harmful insects?

A. We believe it is important not to rely routinely on using pesticides in your garden because beneficial insects are killed with the harmful insects.

"Companion planting" involves planting herbs, veggies or flowers that attract beneficial insects or repel harmful insects.

According to Mary Louise Flint, pest management specialist at the University of California-Davis and author of "Pests of the Garden and Small Farm," "certain plants can be used as insectary plants to attract and support …