Beneficial Insects

Pests have been with us for more than 400 million years. So have the beneficial insects that maintain the balance of nature - and keep plants healthy. Following is a list of "beneficial insects" - insects that are safe for yourself, your children, your plants and your pets, but are deadly to pests that do damage to your tender plantings!

-Taken from literature supplied by Orcon, A division of Organic Control, Inc.

For more information on Beneficial Insects, talk to a MasterNursery Professional at Sheridan Gardens (818) 841-8845

More great information on Benificial Insects can be found at www.biopest.com

Green Lacewings - Extremely effective against aphids, mites, mealy bugs, and other soft-bodied insects that drain sap and cause leaves to yellow and curl.	Predatory Mites - Prevent stunting and yellowing of plants by attacking red spider mites, two spotted mites, and other common mites found in greenhouses and gardens.
Trichogramma - These tiny parasites are highly effective against many species of caterpillars and moths (such as Tomato Horn Worms) that eat leaves and cause root damage. Most widely used beneficial bug in the world.	Beneficial Nematodes - Kill many species of soil and boring insects, such as weevils, grubs, beetles, maggots, and cutworms.
Ladybugs - Add attractive color to your garden while fighting aphids, mealy bugs, leaf hoppers and other pests that destroy leaves, roots and blossoms.	Decollate Snails - Attack and kill the common brown garden snail. Also eat snail eggs and juvenile snails.
Praying Mantids - The all-purpose beneficial bugs that eat virtually any pest that moves. Can be released before the pests arrive. Fascinating bus that many people keep as pets!	Encarsia Formosa - Prevents whiteflies (greenhouse variety) from draining sap and causing leaf curl in trees and shrubs.
Earthworms - Aerate the soil for improved root growth and water retention, while reducing soil density. Also add vital nutrients to soil.	Earthworm Castings - An organic soil amendment that provides excellent nutrition to soil in form of nitrogen, calcium, magnesium phosphates and potash. Nutrients released slowly, preventing root burn.