Biofungicides, biopesticides, and predaceous insects are a natural approach to pesticide-free greenhouse pest management. In addition to natural and less toxic (25(b)) pesticides and biopesticides, growers have also found predatory insects to be effective at controlling pests. Insects such as parasitic wasps are a means to naturally prevent infestation by insect pests.

Predaceous insects are commercially available for biological pest control. The number of predators released, growth stage and degree of the infestation, and environmental conditions will affect the degree of pest control achieved. Using predating insects is not an effective means of rapid infestation control. Conventional treatment will be needed when the infestation is in full swing. The predaceous insects can help reduce the population of the acute infestation, but they work best as a preventative measure. Make sure when using an insecticide treatment in the presence of predaceous insects, that the chemical will not injure the predating species in addition to the pests.

Whiteflies: Parasitic wasps, Encarsia formosa

Scales: Parasitic wasps, Aphytis melinus

Serpentine Leafminers, Fungus Gnats: Leafminer parasite, Dacnusca sibiriica, Diglyphus isaea

Spider Mites: Predatory mites, Amblyseius californicus, Phytoseiulus longpipes, Phytoseiulus persimilis

Trips: Predatory mites, Amblyseius cucumeris, Amblyseius mckenziei

Soft-Bodied Insects and Eggs (Various): Lady beetles, Hippodamia convergens, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, Green lacewings, Chrysoperla carnea