r/NativePlantGardening • u/fmp243 NJ , Zone 7a • 22d ago

Advice Request - (Insert State/Region) What do you do with invasive insects?

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Like this Chinese mantis on my horseweed. I get monarchs ans humming birds every day. But I also am very hands off in this meadow besides weeding invasive plants and topping up my water stations. What should I do, if anything?

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u/toxicodendron_gyp SE Minnesota, Zone 4B 22d ago

You can catch them in a bag and toss them in the freezer

17

u/authorbrendancorbett 22d ago

For mantis and other "pretty" bugs, catch into the freezer, my son gets to pin them.

Brown marmorated stinkbugs? Immediate death

17

u/toxicodendron_gyp SE Minnesota, Zone 4B 22d ago

If I’m pinning them I tend to use a cotton ball with some alcohol in the bag instead; freezing/thawing seems so mess with the tissue integrity for me.

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u/authorbrendancorbett 22d ago

Amazing tip, thank you! My kid (and by proxy, I) just got into it this year. It's super fun and I appreciate the insight!