these :natural enemies" attack and devour plant-eating bugs.5 5Famers and gardeners don't have to use dangerous pesticides. that way, gardens are safer for people and pets, and harmless insects are left alone.
Aphids are some of the most common garden pests. they suck the sap out of plants and destroy cabbage, peas and other produce.
Ladybugs are the common way to control these aphids. They crawl after the sluggish pests and have a leisurely lunch.
Green lacewing larvae (the worm-like form of a newly hatched insect) are another aphid attacker. They are so ferocious, they've earned the nickname :aphid lions"
These alligator-looking larvae attack other damaging insect as well, like mealybugs, leafhoppers asider mites. Praying mantises also are not picky eaters. They'll rip apart any insect smaller than them, ever "good insects" like ladybugs.
That's why it's a good idea to find out what pests are bugging you most and then battle acchordingly. "the best natural enemies are the ones that are specific to your pest problem, " says Jeanne Houston of A-1 Unique Insect Control in citrus Heights, Calif.
For example, certain species of caterpillar can destroy tomato plants and corn stalks. Only tiny trichogramma wasps can come to the plants' rescue.
The wasps lay their eggs inside the larger caterpillar eggs. Upon hatching, the wash larvae gobble up the unhatched caterpillar.
Farmers and gardeners recruit their insect armies from local garden stores and mail-poder win the war against invading insects.