Controlling pests in a natural way without the use of harmful chemicals is becoming an increasingly popular option for many homeowners and gardeners. Utilizing beneficial animals that prey on common garden pests can be an effective part of an integrated pest management plan. Here we will look at 4 animals that can aid in natural pest control.

Ladybugs

Ladybugs, also called ladybird beetles or lady beetles, are likely the most well-known beneficial insect used for natural pest control. The adult insects are typically red or orange with black spots, but can also come in other color variations.

Ladybugs can be very effective at controlling soft-bodied insect pests like aphids, mealybugs, mites, and scale insects by feeding on them directly. A single ladybug can eat 50 or more aphids per day.

Some key facts about using ladybugs for pest control:

Adult ladybugs are voracious predators, but the larval stage feeds even more heavily on prey. A ladybug larvae may consume hundreds of aphids before pupating.
A minimum of 2-5 ladybugs per square yard is recommended for adequate pest control. Releasing them in the evening gives them a chance to spread out before daytime predators are active.
They prefer to lay eggs on the undersides of leaves, close to colonies of prey like aphids or scale insects. The emerging larvae can immediately start feeding.
To help retain ladybugs in the garden, plant companion plants that provide pollen and nectar food sources like daisies, cilantro, and dill. Avoid using pesticides which could kill the beneficial insects.
Ladybugs may leave the release area after a period if the food supply is low. Periodic recolonization throughout the growing season is recommended.

Using ladybugs for natural aphid and scale control can greatly reduce the need for chemical pesticides in the home landscape and garden. Their voracious appetites make them one of the best animals for organic pest management.

Lacewings

Lacewings are a group of elegant green or brown insects with large, delicate wings and prominent eyes. They are lesser known than ladybugs, but also make excellent natural pest control agents in the garden.

In their adult form, lacewings prey on soft-bodied insects and drink nectar, pollen, and honeydew from plants. However, it is the larval stage that is most useful for pest control. Lacewing larvae have large sickle-shaped mandibles and are sometimes known as “aphid lions” because they actively seek out prey to devour.

Key facts about using lacewings for natural pest control:

The larvae are generalist predators and feed on aphids, thrips, mites, whiteflies, leafhoppers, small caterpillars and eggs of various insect pests. A single lacewing larva may consume 200 or more pests in its 2-3 week development period.
Adults may lay hundreds of eggs near colonies of aphids, mealybugs or other prey. The eggs are laid singly on the ends of long stalks so the emerging larvae can begin feeding immediately.
Releasing lacewing eggs or larvae on the undersides of infested leaves allows them to directly target pest populations. Unlike ladybugs, the larvae tend to stay in the release area instead of dispersing.
Use caution when applying pesticides or oils, as they may kill beneficial lacewings in the garden. Provide nectar sources like flowering herbs to support adult lacewings.
May be used in greenhouse settings and can tolerate higher temperatures than ladybugs. Releasing weekly in hot spots may be needed to keep pests under control.

Lacewings are valuable predators for organic gardening and integrated pest management. Employing them along with ladybugs gives a 1-2 punch to take down problematic aphids, mites, thrips and other garden pests.

Green Lacewings

Green lacewings are a family of insects named for their large, delicate green wings. They are common across North America and frequently found in gardens, orchards, and agricultural areas. Several species may be used in biological control programs to combat soft-bodied insect and mite pests.

Some key aspects of using green lacewings for natural pest control include:

Larvae feed voraciously on a wide range of pests like aphids, mealybugs, scales, thrips, spider mites, leafminer eggs, whitefly eggs, and small caterpillars. They grasp prey with large mandibles and suck out bodily fluids.
Adults do not eat much, feeding on nectar, pollen and honeydew droplets from plants. Females lay eggs on leaves or bark near prey colonies, supported on silken stalks about 1/2 inch long.
For pest control, the eggs or larvae can be purchased from biological control suppliers and released onto plants where pest populations are building up. The larvae immediately begin searching for prey.
Multiple releases, spaced 7-10 days apart, are typically needed to maintain control rather than a single large release. The eggs hatch in 3-5 days and the larvae feed for 2-3 weeks before pupating.
Avoid use of chemical pesticides which could kill the beneficial lacewings. Offer nectar plants like angelica, cilantro, dandelion and alyssum to support adults.
Overwintering sites like leaf litter, tree bark and greenhouse structures should be protected so populations can establish long term in the area.

Adding green lacewings to an integrated pest management program can provide natural aphid, whitefly and mite control without resorting to insecticides. Their voracious larvae make them excellent natural predators.

Praying Mantises

The praying mantis is a fascinating predatory insect known for its iconic “praying” front legs and ability to capture prey. There are over 2,000 mantis species worldwide, but a handful are commonly found in North American gardens. Mantises are primarily used for natural insect control in home landscapes, gardens and on small organic farms.

Some key aspects of utilizing praying mantises for biological control:

Mantises feed on a very wide range of insects and arthropods including aphids, caterpillars, beetles, crickets, flies and moths. They typically lie in wait camouflaged on plants and then ambush prey with their raptorial forelegs.
Adults live for about a year, and females lay multiple ootheca egg cases containing up to 200 eggs that overwinter and hatch the following spring. The emerging nymphs immediately begin feeding.
Purchasing an ootheca from a biological supplier and releasing it near garden plants is the easiest way to establish mantises. The nymphs will disperse to hunt for food.
Planting flowers that attract insect prey will encourage mantises to frequent the garden all season long. Providing sheltered perching spots gives them a place to lie in wait. Avoid pesticide use.
One potential downside is that mantises are not selective and may prey on beneficial insects as well as pests. Their voracious appetites make them effective hunters.

The praying mantis is an iconic, fascinating insect that can take on a surprisingly wide range of garden pests. Their rule as top insect predators makes them a fun and useful addition to any pest management plan seeking biological control.

Spiders

Spiders are ubiquitous generalist predators that can be found in most every environment. Many common backyard and garden spiders frequently prey on pest insects and can serve as natural biological control agents if their habitats are protected and encouraged.

Some key facts on utilizing spiders for natural pest management:

Most spiders prey on insects and other arthropods caught in their webs or ambushed. Common pest targets include flies, moths, beetles, aphids, grasshoppers and mosquitoes. Larger spiders may tackle bees, butterflies, small crickets, mantises, and even small vertebrates.
Web-building spiders use strands of silk to construct webs that passively capture prey. Ambush spiders hide waiting for prey to come within reach. Jumping spiders actively pursue prey during the day.
Promoting structural complexity with diverse plant heights, ground covers, leaf litter, mulches, brush piles and untreated wood gives spiders habitat to build webs and hide.
Avoiding broad spectrum insecticides is key to preserving spider populations, but even some biologicals like Bt-kurstaki can be toxic to spiders. Selective control of problem pests helps conserve spiders and other beneficials.
Common pest-controlling backyard spiders include orb weavers, crab spiders, lynx spiders, jumping spiders, cellar spiders, and ground spiders. Getting to know local species helps identify friends versus foes.

With over 45,000 diverse species globally, spiders can play a significant role in controlling pest populations as part of an integrated biological control program. Protecting and enhancing natural spider habitat promotes their services as insect predators.

Benefits of Using Beneficial Animals for Pest Control

Employing ladybugs, lacewings, praying mantises, spiders and other biological control agents in the garden offers a number of advantages over chemical pesticides:

Pest-specific – Predators target the problem pests like aphids while leaving alone beneficials like bees and butterflies. Less risk to non-target species.
Safe for people, pets – Natural predators pose little risk of toxicity or exposure hazards to humans working in the garden. Safer than many insecticides.
No pest resistance – Pests are unlikely to develop resistance to predation, a common problem with repeated insecticide use. Predators evolve along with prey.
Cost effective – Initial purchase cost of live predators or eggs can pay for itself in pest control over a season versus repeated spraying. Increase predator habitat rather than use more inputs.
Support biodiversity – Boost the balance of the ecosystem by supporting diverse predator and beneficial insect populations that enhance ecological health.
Non-disruptive to environment – Unlike many pesticides, introducing more predators is unlikely to disrupt soil microbiota, pollinators or water quality. Limited non-target effects.
Synergistic effects – Combining multiple biological controls like ladybugs and lacewings can give better control than a single release. They work together to suppress pests.

Tips for Success Using Beneficial Insects and Predators

Here are some key tips to follow when purchasing and releasing biological control agents for natural pest management:

Identify pests – Correctly identify which insect pests are responsible for the damage before choosing predators. Target the right biological control to the pest.
Buy from reputable source – Get eggs and live predators from a reputable farm, garden center or online supplier to ensure they are the correct species and vigor.
Release right stage at right time – Introduce predators at the life stage (eggs, larvae or adults) that will be most effective for control. Time releases to pest population buildup.
Follow release directions – Carefully follow the supplier’s recommendations for quantity to release per area, time of day, weather conditions and application strategies.
Protect from pesticides – Avoid use of chemical pesticides, fungicides and some foliar fertilizers which could be toxic to the released predators.
Provide habitat – Offer food plants with pollen, nectar or alternate prey and protected shelter sites to help natural enemies thrive.
Monitor populations – Periodically inspect plants and use sticky traps to track pest populations and determine if additional releases may be needed.
Consider repeat releases – A single, one-time release may not provide season-long control. Repeated releases every 2-4 weeks are often more effective.

Using beneficial insects and arthropods for biological pest control takes some planning and effort but can successfully reduce reliance on conventional pesticides in the garden.

Common Questions About Using Beneficial Predators

Can beneficial insects completely eliminate pests from my garden?

In most cases, the goal of biological control is to suppress pest populations to an acceptable level rather than completely eradicate them. This prevents plant damage without removing all prey that natural enemies need to survive. Getting pest numbers low and keeping them there is success.

How long will beneficial predators provide control in my garden after release?

It depends on the species, time of year, availability of habitat, alternative prey and rates of predation & reproduction. For example, lady beetles may disperse within days while green lacewings may establish and provide control for a full growing season. Plan for multiple, periodic releases to maintain benefits.

Should I spray pesticides if I am also releasing beneficial insects?

Any pesticide application, even organic products, could potentially kill or repel natural enemies in the garden. Eliminate chemical controls entirely, or use highly targeted, non-toxic options like insecticidal soaps. Always check labels for any warnings about impacts on beneficial species before using.

Can I attract more beneficial insects naturally without purchasing and releasing them?

Yes! Providing suitable food plants, nesting sites, overwintering areas and reduced pesticide use can draw many native beneficial insects to your yard and gardens. Use diverse flowering plants suited to your region to support predators and parasitoids with pollen and nectar.

How can I monitor the impact of biological control in my garden?

Keep track of pest populations using visual inspections or traps before and after releases. Check under leaves for pests like aphids and look for signs of damage. High predator numbers coupled with lower pest density indicate success. Sticky cards can show reductions in problem insects like whiteflies over time.

Conclusion

Employing beneficial predators and parasitoids in the garden is a proven ecological approach to reducing populations of destructive pests. Lady beetles, lacewings, praying mantises, spiders and other natural enemies provide biological control that is safer, more targeted and less prone to resistance than chemical insecticides. With some planning and periodic re-introductions, these voracious predators can take over the pest control duties and contribute to the biodiversity of a healthy garden ecosystem. Consider adding one or more of these natural helpers to your own integrated pest management program.

4 Animals That Can Aid in Natural Pest Control

Pest control is essential for any home, business, or agricultural operation. Chemical pesticides have traditionally been used to keep pest populations in check, but concerns over toxicity, environmental impacts, and pest resistance have highlighted the need for alternative approaches. Utilizing beneficial animals that naturally prey on common pests can provide effective, ecological pest management solutions. Here we explore 4 animals that can aid in natural, chemical-free pest control.

Lady beetles

Lady beetles, more commonly known as ladybugs, are likely the most familiar beneficial insect used in biological control programs. The adult beetles are typically red or orange with black spots, but many color variations exist. While the larvae are less conspicuous, they are prolific predators of soft-bodied pests like aphids, mealybugs, mites, and scale insects. A single ladybug larva may devour hundreds of aphids before it pupates.

Releasing ladybugs into gardens and landscapes provides natural control of these destructive sap-feeding insects without any chemicals. Key tips for success include:

Release at least 2-5 beetles per square yard in areas with pest outbreaks. Make releases in the evening when predators are less active.
Ensure a good local food source like aphid or scale-infested plants. The larvae need to eat soon after emerging.
Avoid using insecticides which could kill the ladybugs. Plant pollen and nectar sources like flowers to support them.
Make periodic repeat releases to overcome ladybugs dispersing from the area. Their voracious appetites provide excellent natural aphid control.

Lacewings

Lacewings are elegant green and brown insects with delicate lace-like wings. The larvae of some species are aggressive predators known as aphid lions for their appetite for pests. Lacewing larvae devour aphids, spider mites, thrips, and other soft-bodied insects. The adults supplement this by feeding on nectar, pollen, and honeydew.

Key aspects of lacewings as biological control agents:

A single lacewing larvae can consume over 200 pests in its 2-3 week development period before pupating.
The female lays hundreds of eggs on stalks near prey colonies. Upon hatching, the larvae immediately start feeding on the nearby pests.
Periodically release lacewing eggs or larvae where needed in the landscape. The larvae tend to stay near the release area instead of dispersing widely.
Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that could kill lacewings. Offer nectar plants like coriander and dandelion to support adults.
Lacewings can tolerate higher temperatures than ladybugs, making them ideal natural predators for greenhouse pest control.

Praying mantises

The praying mantis is a master insect predator, blending camouflage and speed to capture a wide range of prey. There are many native species found throughout North America. Mantises make excellent natural pest control agents in gardens, landscapes, and on organic farms.

Key aspects of praying mantises for biological control:

Mantises prey on all types of insects including caterpillars, beetles, crickets, moths, bees, wasps, and flies. They wait perfectly still for prey to come near and then strike quickly to grasp it with their front legs.
Females lay egg cases containing 100-200 eggs that overwinter, then hatch in the spring. The emerging nymphs immediately begin feeding.
Purchase an ootheca egg case from a biological supplier and release in the garden perimeter where emerging nymphs can disperse to hunt.
Avoid pesticide use which could poison mantises. Include flowering plants that attract insect prey. Leave debris piles and unmowed areas for shelter.
While not selective, their wide diet helps control many garden pests without chemicals. Mantises are an iconic top insect predator.

Spiders

Spiders are ubiquitous generalist predators found in nearly all habitats. Many common backyard and garden spiders prey on pest insects and can greatly aid natural pest suppression efforts if their populations are protected.

Key aspects of spider natural pest control:

Most spiders prey on insects like aphids, thrips, leafhoppers, flies, caterpillars, mosquitoes