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“Keeping a consistent
temperature, void of large
temperature swings, within the
desired range for plant growth will
provide a temperature range suitable
for most beneficial predatory insects.”
Extremely hot temperatures may also hamper the proper
establishment of many beneficial predatory insects.
Predatory nematodes are one of the best natural defenses
against a wide variety of soil borne pest insects. However,
when temperatures exceed 85°F, they are less likely to
become established in a soil or medium. The optimal
temperature range for establishing a healthy population
of predatory nematodes is 60-80°F. Keeping a consistent
temperature, void of large temperature swings, within the
desired range for plant growth will provide a temperature
range suitable for most beneficial predatory insects.
Food or Attractants for Beneficial Insects
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Many beneficial predatory insects will establish larger,
healthier populations if they are given pollen and nectar
substitutes in addition to the pest insects they consume.
Beneficial insect food also enables a horticulturist to bait
beneficial predatory insects to a particular area of the
garden. For example, if a greenhouse or indoor grower
wants to establish a higher population of beneficial
insects next to the air intake or doorway (a likely spot for
pests to enter), he or she can spray a plant in that vicinity
with beneficial insect food to increase the good insect
population in that area.
As previously mentioned, if a plant is attacked by a pest
insect, as a defense mechanism, the plant may produce
a chemical compound known as a pheromone to attract
beneficial predatory insects. There are some products
on the market derived from various pheromones and
botanicals that will attract beneficial insects such as
green lacewings, ladybugs, and minute pirate bugs.