BENEFICIAL INSECTS

Beneficial Insects are any of a number of species of insects that perform valued services like pollination and pest control. The concept of ''beneficial'' is subjective and only arises in light of desired outcomes from a human perspective. In farming and agriculture, where the goal is to raise selected crops, insects that hinder the production process are classified as pests, while insects that assist production are considered beneficial.
Encouraging beneficial insects, by providing suitable living conditions, is a pest control strategy, often used in organic farming, organic gardening or Integrated Pest Management. Companies specializing in biological pest control sell many types of beneficial insect, particularly for use in enclosed areas, like greenhouses.

Contents

Types of beneficial insects

External links

References

Types of beneficial insects

'Bees' are beneficial as pollinators, facilitating propagation and fruit production for many plants.
Ladybugs are generally thought of as beneficial because they eat large quantities of aphids, mites and other insects that feed on various plants.
Other insects commonly identified as beneficial include:

★ Minute pirate bug,

★ Big eyed-bug,

★ Assassin bug,

★ Damsel bug,

★ Mealybug destroyer,

★ Soldier beetle,

★ Green lacewing,

★ Syrphid fly

★ Tachinid fly,

★ Ichneumon wasp, and

★ Trichogramma wasp
^[1].

External links

★ Association of Natural Biocontrol Producers- trade association of the biological control industry

References

1. "Farmscaping to Enhance Biological Control", ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.