Bugs Eating Bugs

Did you know that we successfully utilize biological methods to control insect pest populations in our greenhouses? Biological control is the horticultural practice of using beneficial living organisms to control other pest organisms. The first step involves involves monitoring our plants very closely for pests. At the first sign of damage we order natural insect pest predators from a specialist Canadian supplier. The goal is to allow the predators to establish and breed in sufficient numbers to keep the pest population down.

Throughout the growing season, we receive weekly shipments of ‘good bugs’ which we release in the greenhouses. Common predator bugs that we use are a predatory mite called Stratiolaelaps scimitus to help control Fungus Gnats, a critter called Amblyseius fallacis to control Spider Mites and another mite named Neoseiulus cucumeris to help with our Broad Mite and Thrip populations. In the past we have also used predators to control Aphids and Whitefly. Every year presents new challenges, but we are proud to say that over the years, we have learnt what works and we are very successful with this method of insect pest control.

PS… instead of showing a close up of bugs we chose healthy plants instead!