While it might seem counterintuitive to consider certain insects as a way to control other insects, any keen gardener will tell you that this method is a great way to create a thriving ecosystem. Predatory insects play a vital role in biological pest control in agriculture and in maintaining ecological balance. Varied in species and efficient in preying on harmful plant pests, these natural predators offer an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution to pest control.
But which insects are we talking about? We explore the top 5 insects for natural pest control below, when it is best to use them and what scenarios may warrant something stronger.
What are the top 5 insects for natural pest control?
Ladybugs are a type of predatory beetle with a keen sense of smell – they are quick to locate areas with aphid infestations, making them a firm favourite when it comes to pest control. They have a huge appetite for aphids and other soft-bodied pests and are often used in greenhouses and gardens for pest control.
Lacewings contribute to the control of aphids, mealybugs, thrips and caterpillars, making them an invaluable little critter for pest control. Both adults and larvae are equally efficient, being highly mobile and using their strong jaws to consume aphids at a high rate.
Wasps get a bad rap, however, they are useful for pest control thanks to their parasitic nature. They lay their eggs inside caterpillars or other pests, which then hatch and feed on the host, ultimately killing it.
Hoverflies, which closely resemble bees, are useful as both larvae and adults. The larvae feed on aphids, while adults are great pollinators.
These insects resemble bees but are actually flies that prey on aphids and other small garden pests.
Finally, Ground Beetles are stealthy nocturnal predators that feed on a variety of garden pests, including sawfly larvae, moth caterpillars, slugs and even weed seeds, making them perfect for the devoted gardener.
When to use insects for pest control
Insects, particularly predatory and parasitoid species, can be used for pest control year-round, but their effectiveness varies depending on environmental conditions. In unheated greenhouses and outdoors, the best time for introducing beneficial insects is generally from April to September. In heated greenhouses and indoor environments, they can be used throughout the year.
Some key pointers for using insects as a form of pest control include:
- Beneficial insects should be introduced before pest populations become large, as they need time to multiply and control the pests.
- In unheated environments, the active season for biological control is typically from late March/April to September.
- On the other hand, heated greenhouses and indoor settings provide optimal conditions for beneficial insects all year round.
- In outdoor or unheated environments, predatory insects may die out in the colder seasons, so you might need to reintroduce them each year.
When should I opt for an insecticide?
In many cases, you might prefer to opt for a natural pesticide that specifically targets irritating pests. If you’re dealing with an infestation, for example, pests such as thrips, aphids, whiteflies and spider mites can be swiftly dealt with using effective pesticides from EPM.
Rather than relying solely on other insects for pest control, the following scenarios will warrant the use of an insecticide:
- There’s a large or severe infestation
- Other methods have failed
- Speed and immediate results are needed
- The pest is causing significant damage or poses a health risk
In any of the above instances, you’ll want peace of mind that the insecticide product is safe to use on your crops and the environment around them. For example, all systemic pesticides come with the risk of being absorbed by the plant and leaving chemical residues in your yield.
Opting for a non-systemic pesticide in one of the above scenarios will ensure that the situation is resolved efficiently, safely and without having an adverse effect on your plants.