Beneficial Insects

Biological control is a component of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy that uses living organisms to suppress pest populations. By using natural enemies to their full advantage, property owners can save money and adopt a natural approach to managing their landscape while preserving the environment.

Naturally occurring biological controls can be augmented with the release of specific beneficial organisms.  Examples include convergent lady beetles, green lacewings and prey mantis to help suppress soft bodied insect pests such as scale crawlers, aphids and leafhoppers. Trichogramma wasps are another beneficial used to help control caterpillars and leaf beetle larvae.  Predaceous mite releases have also been particularly effective in suppressing spider mites and related plant feeding mites.