The availability of water in the landscape significantly impacts the number of beneficials present to assist in pest management. 

• Native vegetation near water sources such as rivers, creeks, water storages or channels have much higher populations of beneficials than vegetation that is not near water.
• Many beneficials need water to survive.

Management Actions
> Restore and or maintain riparian vegetation along creeks and streams.
> Consider positioning revegetation areas near artificial water sources, e.g. channels, storages, head and tail ditches or table drains.
> Allow floodwaters to inundate areas of native vegetation, such as river red gum, coolibah or black box woodland to maintain vegetation condition.
> Be extra considerate of beneficials during a dry spell. Beneficials need to drink water or their populations will decline.
> Keep open water sources clean and healthy.

Beneficials mostly get their water from rain drops or dew, but these sources are often unavailable during periods of drought. Reduced water availability means smaller populations of beneficials.  Photo: Namoi CMA

Restore riparian vegetation along creeks and streams. These areas, if healthy, tend to have high populations of beneficial insects, birds and bats. Photo: M. Hobson