Learn From Those that Took the Leap
Predatory bugs
Predatory bugs are beneficial insects crucial for natural pest control in agriculture. Equipped with piercing mouthparts, they actively hunt and feed on various harmful pests, helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem. Predatory bugs play a vital role in controlling whitefly, thrips, caterpillars and leaf miner larvae.
Macrolophus pygmaeus (Mirical, Mirical-N), a species of predatory bug, is particularly skilled in controlling whitefly and caterpillars but also contributes to the control of spider mites, aphids, and leaf miner larvae.
For thrips control, Thripor-I (Orius insidiosus) and Thripor-L (Orius laevigatus), offer effective solutions. Orius bugs are natural predators of thrips, helping to control their populations and protect crops from the damage caused by these pests.
Gall midges
Gall midges play a beneficial role in natural pest control, particularly in controlling aphids and spider mites. Gall midges have a unique and interesting life cycle that contributes to their effectiveness as biological control agents. Female gall midges lay their eggs on plant leaves, and when the larvae hatch, they feed on aphids.
Gall midges are considered beneficial insects because they specifically target aphids. By naturally reducing aphid populations, gall midges contribute to the overall health of plants and help maintain a balanced ecosystem without the need for chemical pesticides.
Koppert offers Aphidend, featuring the species Aphidoletes aphidimyza, for aphid control. For spider mite control Feltiella acarisuga (Spidend) can be used.
Lacewings
Lacewings are beneficial insects known for their voracious appetite for various pests, making them valuable in biocontrol. There are different species of lacewings, but they share common traits in their feeding habits.
Lacewing larvae, sometimes referred to as "aphid lions," are particularly effective in controlling aphids. They use their strong jaws to grasp and consume aphids at a high rate. The larvae are highly mobile and actively seek out aphid colonies, helping to keep their populations in check. Next to aphids, lacewings also contribute to the control of mealybugs, thrips and caterpillars.
Koppert offers Chrysopa, Chrysopa-E, featuring the species Chrysoperla carnea.
Ladybugs / Predatory beetles
Predatory beetles, including ladybugs, are a group of beneficial insects known for their role in natural pest control. Ladybugs control aphids through their natural predatory behaviour. Ladybugs use their keen sense of smell to locate areas with aphid infestations. Once they find aphids, ladybugs use their specialized mouthparts to consume them. Ladybugs are known to be highly efficient predators, capable of consuming a significant number of aphids in a short period. Aphidalia, featuring the ladybug species Adalia bipunctata, is a good solution aphid control.
Another notable species is the predatory beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, controls mealybugs through its voracious predatory behaviour. These beneficial beetles are specifically adapted to target and consume various species of mealybugs, offering an effective and natural solution for mealybug control. For mealybug control Koppert offers Cryptobug and Cryptobug-L, featuring the predatory beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri.
Advantages of using predatory insects
Using predatory insects for pest control offers several advantages, promoting a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to managing pest-related issues. Here are some key advantages:
Sustainable pest control
Predatory insects provide a natural and non-toxic alternative to chemical pesticides. This reduces the environmental impact associated with the use of synthetic chemicals, safeguarding the overall ecosystem.
Reduced need for chemicals
The use of predatory insects often results in a decreased reliance on chemical pesticides. This reduction is beneficial for both the environment and human health, as it minimizes exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
Minimized resistance development
Unlike chemical pesticides, which pests can develop resistance to over time, predatory insects provide a dynamic and evolving solution. This helps minimize the development of resistance in pest populations.