INSECTS AROUND US: BENEFICIALS & PESTS
A free practical class to learn about insects found in our homes, farms and community.
Insects are some of the most diverse living creatures in our world. They constitute more than 75% of all known animal species. They are cosmopolitan in nature as they are found in all different kinds of habitats and ecosystems. They also display a very rich and diverse morphological characteristics – some have colorful wings with beautiful patterns while some do not develop wings at all, some have a pair of long antenna as a sensory organ while many others do not develop the antennae, some have long and strong limbs for hopping and running while many others have tiny and weak legs, some have piercing and sucking type of mouth parts for feeding on plant sap or mammalian blood while many have chewing type mouth to eat the tender leaves of plants. The diversity in these critters is endless.
Insects are integral to the natural biological systems. Their ecological role as pollinators is invaluable for sustaining life in our planet. They have captivated humankind since the beginning of civilization. They influence our art and culture. Some are predators and parasitoids to other organisms. Some are source of food and fiber. Some insects produce industrially valuable products. However, as with anything else, not all insects are beneficials to us. Some insects transmit diseases to humans and animals. Some infest our homes and barns. They destroy our building structures. They ruin the goods and objects in our homes and offices. Some contaminate our industry products. Some compete with our food sources. Some directly feed on the crops in our farms while others transmit crop diseases. Some feed on the grains and produce in the storage. Some are just nuisance to our bare survival and existence.
Regardless of their inherent nature, it is very important to better understand the insects living around us. Understanding the insects living in our homes, farms and communities helps us create a safe and healthy living spaces for our families and friends. It is in everybody’s best interest to protect and promote the beneficial insects while controlling the pest populations. Correct identification of an insect is the first step towards any viable insect management program. We all can be stewards for natural conservation of beneficial insects in our communities. There are several morphological characteristics unique to these insects that are giveaway of their habitat and feeding pattern. Identifying these physical appearances of the common insects should benefit any average person but it is particularly quite impactful for homeowners, gardeners, landscape professionals, and farmers.
SOWEGA Master Gardener Extension Volunteers (MGEVs) are a passionate group of volunteers that work closely with Dougherty County Extension Services for delivering local horticultural extension programs. They have been actively managing a couple of local community landscape gardens for several years. They also educate local residents and youths in topics related to sustainable horticultural management tools and techniques, water and environment conservation, value of landscapes and health benefits of gardening. They regularly collaborate with several organizations to organize community educational programs based on the local extension needs.
This year, SOWEGA MGEVs are collaborating with UGA Extension to offer a practical class on identification of beneficial and pest insects. The class is scheduled for 9:30 – 11:00 am in Tuesday, August 13, 2024 in Candy Room at 125 Pine Avenue, Albany, GA, 31701. This educational program will showcase insect specimen, charts and posters as visual aids to discuss the diagnostic physical characteristics of the commonly found insects in Georgia. Dougherty County Agricultural & Natural Resources Agent Vivek Bist will facilitate the presentation and discussion. The resource materials for this program will be provided by Lisa Ames, Homeowner Diagnostician Technician in Department of Entomology in UGA Griffin Campus. Registration is free for this program. To register for this program, either click on the register button below the flyer at the top of this page, or scan the QR code in the flyer, or go to the website link in the flyer, or contact our office. Anyone who is interested to learn about insects is encouraged to register and participate in the program. For more details, please contact us at Dougherty County Extension Services, 125 Pine Ave. Suite 100, Albany, GA 31701; Phone: 229-436-7216; Email: uge4095@uga.edu.
