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Bugs to the Rescue

Southern Living, Apr 2007 by Cross, Kim

Visit this St. Louis shop to find your garden's best friends.

It doesn't take a PhD to figure out what they sell at The Bug Store. That's right. Bugs. But wait-don't turn the page just yet. Before you get all creeped out by these crawlies, read on to discover why they could become your garden's new best (six-legged) friends. The next time your yard is plagued with pests, cast aside the pesticide and let Mother Nature do the job instead. The friendly folks at this shop will show you how.

Battle of the Bugs

"We sell live bugs that eat bad bugs," says Chris Cope, the store manager. This organic method of pest control pits predators against problem pests. That means using no chemical pesticides that could harm your kids or pets.

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In the spirit of know-how, Chris has tested each species in his own backyard. "My hostas used to look like Swiss cheese," he says. The culprit? Slugs. He fought back with the help of a few million bacterial buddies. (Entomologists know them as predatory nematodes, but that's an ugly name. Let's call them superbugs.) These superbugs eat grubs and slugs and flea beetles. They terminate termites and send fleas fleeing. "They're real heroes," says shop owner Ken Miller. Best of all, they're cheap to hire: A few million superbugs will go to work in your garden for less than $20.

No Job Too Small

Aphids attacking your roses? Bring on the ladybugs! Let these hungry ladies loose, and those aphids are toast. Lacewings may not be quite as cute, but they work even harder. Just when you think your flowerbeds don't have a prayer of a chance, call in the praying mantis. These voracious critters aren't picky eaters-they'll prey on nearly every bad bug in the garden.

Editor's Tip: Bargains Downstairs

Insects aside, this garden shop also sells fountains, wind chimes, lamps, and other accessories for your home and garden. Don't miss the bargain basement, where you can find slightly chipped pots and other seconds for 50% off or more. -KIM CROSS

The Bug Store: 4474 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110; (314) 773-9251.

One of the South's Top Gardens

When you visit, don't miss the nearby Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the top public gardens in the country. Just down the street from The Bug Store, you'll see tulips, crab apples, hyacinths, and wisteria in bloom this month.

Sic ladybugs on your aphid problem for a natural method of best control.

You'll find more than bugs at this shop. Check out their fountain selection.

Bugs to the Rescue

Southern Living, Apr 2007 by Cross, Kim

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