Dung beetles are a beneficial part of the agricultural integrated pest management toolkit, helping to control unwanted pests, such as horn and face flies. These industrious insects play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance by efficiently recycling dung, improving soil quality, and reducing the prevalence of harmful pests.
The same habitat (flowers and grasses of varied shapes and sizes that provide blooms throughout the growing season) is also good for other beneficial insects (and similar creatures like spiders) that are natural enemies of pests. There are many ways to establish these plants and manage weeds during the establishment process.
Reducing pest populations (or maintaining them at a low level) using living organisms (natural enemies, biocontrol agents) or the things they produce. It is one component of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy that helps you reduce risks to yourself and the environment.
Research on Alternatives to Neonicotinoid Insecticides
Beneficial Insect Fact Sheets
Biocontrol agent fact sheet
Pests Targeted: Aphids, Caterpillars, Leafhoppers, Planthoppers, Mealy Bugs, Thrips
Commercially Available? Yes
Scientific Name: Syrphidae, e.g. Episyrphus balteatus
Biocontrol Agent Type: Predator
Biocontrol agent fact sheet
These predatory beetles are beneficial to farmers and gardeners, because they can reduce pest populations, also referred to as biological control, however, because rove beetles are generalist predators, they can also reduce populations of beneficial insects such as beneficial predatory mite eggs and nymphs.
Biocontrol agent fact sheet
Pests Targeted: Thrips, Spider Mites, Aphids, Leafhoppers, Caterpillars, Springtails and Whiteflies.
Commercially Available? Yes
Scientific Name: Orius tristicolor, Orius insidiosus
Biocontrol Agent Type: Predator
