Beneficial Insects are a safe, environmentally friendly, and highly effective alternative to chemical pesticides in greenhouse environments. These insects prey on or parasitize common pests such as aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, thrips, and more—helping to keep populations in check without harming your plants, people, pets, or the environment.

One of the biggest advantages of using beneficial bugs is their selective targeting of pest species. Unlike broad-spectrum pesticides, which can kill both pests and helpful organisms, beneficial insects support a healthy, balanced ecosystem in your greenhouse.

Preparing for Beneficial Insects

To maximize the effectiveness of your biological control program, it is essential to create a pesticide-free environment before releasing beneficial insects. For at least one month prior to introducing them, avoid using residual pesticides such as malathion, kelthane, or other long-lasting chemicals. These substances can linger on plant surfaces and in soil, harming or killing the very bugs you intend to introduce.

During this one-month waiting period, if pest populations need to be managed, use short-residual, natural insecticides such as pyrethrin or rotenone. These break down quickly and are generally safe to use up to one week before beneficial insects are released.

Timing and Integration

Beneficial insects are most successful when introduced early, before pests become overwhelming. Monitor your plants regularly, and if you detect pest activity at low or moderate levels, it’s an ideal time to release your bugs! Early intervention allows the beneficial bugs to establish themselves and maintain pest control naturally over time.

If pests are already widespread or causing noticeable damage, it’s best to first reduce the population with a light, targeted spray using a fast-acting, natural pesticide. Once the pests are at a manageable level, introduce the beneficial insects. This integrated approach helps create a sustainable balance and reduces the need for repeated chemical intervention.

Which Bugs?

1. Ladybugs (Ladybird Beetles)
   – Targets: Aphids, whiteflies, mites, scale insects

2. Lacewings (Green Lacewing Larvae)
   – Targets: Aphids, thrips, mealybugs, whiteflies, spider mites

3. Parasitic Wasps (e.g., Encarsia formosa, Aphidius spp.)
   – Targets: Whiteflies (Encarsia), aphids (Aphidius)

4. Predatory Mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis, Amblyseius spp.)
   – Targets: Spider mites, thrips

5. Rove Beetles (Dalotia coriaria)
   – Targets: Fungus gnats, thrips

6. Minute Pirate Bugs (Orius spp.)
   – Targets: Thrips, spider mites, aphids

7. Hoverflies (Syrphid Flies)
   – Targets: Aphids (larvae are the predators)

8. Nematodes (Beneficial Nematodes – Steinernema spp.)
   – Targets: Fungus gnat larvae, root weevils, thrips pupae (in soil)

Prefer to naturally attract beneficial insects to your garden? Try the BioCare Ladybug Lure!