02/09/2026
Not all bugs are bad
At this time of year, your trees will be full of insect activity and that’s not always a bad thing. While aphids, red spider mites and caterpillars can cause damage, there are plenty of beneficial insects working hard to keep your trees healthy.
Ladybirds, green lacewings, hoverfly larvae, certain wasps, ants and flower bugs all feed on the pests that harm fruit trees. They’re nature’s built‑in pest control, and encouraging them can make a huge difference to your tree’s health.
When fruit starts to ripen, do keep an eye out for wasps and other insects, as they may move into over‑ripe fruit, so harvesting on time helps prevent that.
If you’re unsure whether the insects you’re seeing are helpful or harmful, Mike is always happy to take a look and give advice.
Remember: choose natural treatments where possible, or use gentle manual removal to keep your tree in balance with the wildlife around it.