Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Beneficial Predators and Biological Agents-

• Encouraging good bugs.
• We should avoid toxic chemicals and encouraging beneficial insects and mites offers a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative.  
• At times you may benefit by strategic release of beneficial bugs.  To get the best results we need to understand the fundamental differences between the use of good bugs and pesticides.  
• Generally, it is best to establish your ‘good bugs’ before pests become a problem.  
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• Strategies to encourage good bugs in your garden
• Encourage biodiversity.
• Start releasing good bugs early in the season.
• Make multiple releases.
• Target hotspots.
• Apply sufficient numbers of beneficial to do the job.
• Consider using ‘Beetle bags’ and ‘Beneficial release boxes.

Who is for what Pest?

Predatory Mites: Persimilis, Cucumeris, Hypoaspis

Parasitic Wasps: Aphidius, Encarsia

Predatory Bugs: Lacewings, Ladybugs