Learn the significance of "Good Bugs vs. Bad Bugs" during St. Lucie County's Ag Awareness Week.

On Wednesday, April 9, the St. Lucie County Cooperative Extension will be conducting a free workshop titled: " Good Bug, Bad Bug I.D.: Using IPM and Biological Control."We invite you to experience this educational event as we learn about good bugs, bad bugs and integrated pest management strategies to control nuisance pests. Beneficial lady beetles will be provided to registered workshop participants.

Lady beetles are among the best known and most beneficial insects. There are about 475 species occurring in North America. Both the adults and larvae of lady beetles consume aphids, immature scale insects, mealybugs, mites and other nuisance landscape pests. Lady beetles will be available for registered workshop participants to take home for release in their gardens.

This two-hour workshop begins at 10 a.m. at the St Lucie County Cooperative Extension located at 8400 Picos Road in Fort Pierce. Course instructors are County Extension Agents Ken Gioeli, Ed Skvarch and Anita Neal.

This workshop is free. Casual attire is recommended as we will be outdoors for a large portion of the workshop. Space is limited to the first 35 who register by calling Marsha at (772) 462-1660 before March 28. Extension programs are open to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion or national origin. Participants with disabilities are asked to indicate any necessary accommodations when registering.

Members of the media are encouraged to participate.

###