Beneficial insects

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In agriculture and gardening, beneficial insects perform valued services like pollination and pest control. In a natural, balanced ecosystem, it is assumed that all insects contribute to maintaining the system and therefore, no species can be considered good or bad. The concept of beneficial is subjective and only arises in light of desired outcomes from a human perspective. In farming, 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.

[edit] 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:

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[edit] External links

GreenMethods.com - Extensive biocontrol and IPM information resource
Association of Natural Biocontrol Producers- trade association of the biological control industry