Library · Plant health & IPM
IPM Beneficial Selector.
IPM Beneficial Insect Selector
For each major pest, what predator or parasitoid actually works. Release rate, environment requirements, suppliers.
IPM principles
- Prevention over rescue. Beneficials work best at low pest density. Release before you need to.
- The right beneficial for the right pest. A generalist predator (e.g. green lacewing) works on many pests but slowly; a specialist parasitoid (e.g. Encarsia formosa for whitefly) works on one pest decisively.
- Beneficials and pesticides don't mix. Even most "organic" sprays kill beneficials on contact. Plan releases at least 7-14 days after sprays.
- Multi-species programs work better. Stack a fast-acting predator (Phytoseiulus, Orius) with a slower preventive (Amblyseius, Stratiolaelaps) — covers different stages and population levels.
- Environment matters. Many beneficials need 50%+ RH and 65-80°F. Sealed grow rooms with low RH fail predator releases.
- Repeat releases. One release rarely fixes anything. Plan a 4-6 week program with releases every 1-2 weeks.
Common predators reference
| Beneficial | Targets | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phytoseiulus persimilis | Two-spotted spider mite | Specialist predatory mite | Fast-acting; needs 60%+ RH; eats only spider mites |
| Neoseiulus californicus | Spider mites + russet mite | Predatory mite | More heat- and dry-tolerant than persimilis |
| Amblyseius swirskii | Thrips, whitefly, broad mite | Predatory mite | The "general defender" — preventive workhorse |
| Amblyseius cucumeris | Thrips (immature) | Predatory mite | Specifically for thrips larvae; lower temp tolerance |
| Orius insidiosus (minute pirate bug) | Thrips, mites, aphids, eggs | Generalist predator | Fast knockdown; needs flowering plant for diapause |
| Aphidius colemani | Most green aphids | Parasitoid wasp | Tiny wasp; lays eggs in aphid; mummies form |
| Aphidius ervi | Larger aphids | Parasitoid wasp | Foxglove and potato aphid |
| Aphidoletes aphidimyza | Aphids | Predatory midge larva | Eats hundreds; doesn't fly far; effective in tight infestations |
| Encarsia formosa | Greenhouse whitefly | Parasitoid wasp | Black-mummy whitefly scales = working |
| Eretmocerus eremicus | Sweetpotato whitefly (warm) | Parasitoid wasp | Heat-tolerant; pairs with Encarsia |
| Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Hypoaspis) | Fungus gnat larvae, thrips pupae | Soil predatory mite | Lives in top inch of substrate; preventive for fungus gnats |
| Steinernema feltiae | Fungus gnats, thrips pupae | Beneficial nematode | Drench substrate; effective and renewable |
| Green lacewing (Chrysoperla) | Aphids, thrips, mealybug, eggs | Generalist predator | Larvae are aggressive eaters; releases as eggs |
| Cryptolaemus montrouzieri | Mealybug | Specialist beetle | "Mealybug destroyer"; needs ~70°F+ |
| Trichogramma spp. | Caterpillar eggs | Egg parasitoid | Released as parasitized eggs on cards |
| Steinernema carpocapsae | Caterpillars + grubs | Beneficial nematode | Soil-dwelling pests; outdoor use |
Suppliers
Common North American beneficial insect suppliers (commercial-quality, verified species):
- Koppert Biological Systems — global leader; broad species range; greenhouse-focused
- Biobest — global; similar range; well-regarded quality
- Arbico Organics — US retail; carries multiple wholesalers' stock
- Beneficial Insectary — US wholesale; large quantities
- BugLogical Control Systems — US small-grower friendly
- Evergreen Growers Supply — Pacific Northwest US
- Hydro-Gardens / Applied Bionomics — Canada-based; ships to US
Local extension offices often have lists of region-specific suppliers. For specialty / native species, regional insectaries may be the only option.
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