Join University of Minnesota extension educators for a webinar series covering all things insects. Topics covered include: identification, integrated pest management, beneficial insects, and pollinators. Each session will dive deeper into the big world of our tiny insect neighbours.
All sessions will be held via Zoom from 12-1 p.m. (central time).
Dates: June 10, 12, 14, and 18
June 10: Insect 101
The weather is heating up, and the creepy crawlies are out. How do we tell if what we are seeing is an insect or something else? When do we decide to squish? This webinar will cover what makes an insect an insect, and give attendees an overview of all the things an insect can do in our spaces. We will also provide resources and tips for insect identification.
June 12: Insects as Pests
After identifying an insect, we might discover it damages stuff we care about. This session will cover the ways insects become pests, as well as Integrated Pest Management, a framework we can use to decide when an insect is worth managing. We will also cover common management strategies that can work on many kinds of insects.
June 14: Insect as Allies
Insects do all kinds of good things, and in this webinar, we will cover basic information about two of the most important types of beneficial insects: pollinators and predatory insects. Learn the basics of Minnesota’s pollinators, and how to identify predatory insects that can do pest control for us. We will also discuss ways we can encourage these good bugs to hang out in our spaces.
June 18: Q&A
Did something we talked about pique your interest? Struggling to manage a bug in your garden? This walk-in, discussion-based Q&A session will connect you with a team of extension educators to get more information and resources about the insects in your life.
At the conclusion of the webinar series, participants will have access to a resource folder that will include information covered in the series and other resources.
Where?
ONLINE – All sessions will be held via Zoom
