I spent some time this evening cutting down an invasive bush in my garden, and with green bin day coming up, I'm planning to kill the roots with weed killer before fully removing it. While I feel it was necessary, I noticed a bunch of insects, like spiders and lice, trying to escape the chaos. I'm planning to eventually plant nectar-rich flowers for pollinators, but I'm wondering if there's any way to make a compromise to give these insects a temporary home without allowing unwanted plants to return. Any suggestions?
4 Answers
Honestly, I'd recommend skipping the weed killer if possible. It could harm beneficial insects too. Just handle the roots manually, and maybe you won't have to worry so much about the insects!
From my experience, using some old plant pots and bricks can create a small habitat for the critters. They might appreciate a cozy spot while you figure out your garden plans!
You could just pile some branches and debris in a corner; that should keep the insects content for a while until you're ready to plant something new.
It really depends on what type of invasive bush you're dealing with. If it's just a regular plant you're trying to remove, leaving some of the debris around could give the insects a place to hide. Also, consider planting native plants as replacements since they tend to support local wildlife better.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely look into native plants. Could help the local ecosystem.

That's a good point! I didn’t think about the impact on other insects. I’ll consider my options.