Insects - Beneficial

 

There are many beneficial insects that exist that can help control pests. We wish for all gardeners to familiarize themselves with these beneficial insects, so as not to harm them with any chemical treatments. Look below for descriptions and images of beneficial insects.

  

 

Centipede

 

Insects Controlled:

  • Ground dwelling insects such as caterpillars, slugs, mites and other larvae.

What to look for:

  • Fast moving reddish segmented creatures with many legs.

 
 
   
 

 

Ground Beetle

 

Insects Controlled:

  • Voracious feeders of slugs, caterpillars and other ground dwelling insects/grubs.

What to look for:

  • Small black (1/2") or larger (3/4") irridescent quick moving beetles that are usually found under debris, rocks or boards etc.

 

 

 
 
 

 

Hoverfly

 

Insects Controlled:

  • Aphids

What to look for:

  • Adult flies hovering around flowers; almost legless grubs on plants. These can be green, grey or translucent in appearance.

 
 
 

 
 


 

Lacewing

 

Insects Controlled:

  • Aphids
  • Other soft bodied insects

What to look for:

  • Spindle shaped larvae
  • Tiny eggs on stalks
  • Delicate flies

 

 

  
 

 
 

 

Lady Bug

 

Insects Controlled:

  • Aphids
  • Other soft bodied insects

What to look for:

  • Adults
  • Larvae near Aphid colonies.
  • Pupa on side of buildings or on fences.
  
     
 

 

Minute Pirate Bug Adult

 

Insects Controlled:

  • Thrips
  • Spider mites
  • Small caterpillars
  • Leafhopper nymphs
  • Other small insects and insect eggs

What to look for:

  • Small black and white bugs in flowers such as roses etc.
 
   
 

 

Parasitic Wasp
of Aphid

 

Insects Controlled:

  • Aphids

What to look for:

  • Mummified Aphids

 
 
   
 

 

Predatory Wasp of Birch Leaf Miner

 

Insects Controlled:

  • Birch Leaf Miner

What to look for:

  • Reduction of damage to Birch.
 
 
 

 

Spined Soldier Bug

 

Insects Controlled:

  • Caterpillars and grubs, including tent caterpillars, fall armyworms, sawfly larvae etc.

What to look for:

  • Shield-shaped, black speckled 1/2" bugs with sharp points on shoulders.
  • Nymphs similar to adults but wingless.