Forget the bats, spiders, and black cats. If you want to learn about some truly spooky creatures this Halloween, keep reading!
Many people are familiar with insect predators, like lady beetles/ladybugs, that eat other insects. But not many know about another type of good bug or “natural enemy”—parasitoids. These creepy insects can help reduce pest populations by parasitizing them.
What is a parasitoid?
Parasites such as fleas and ticks live and feed on their host without killing it. Parasitoids are like parasites but DO eventually kill their host....
This Saturday, April 15th, is the annual UC Davis Picnic Day event!
Stop by the UC Statewide IPM Program's booth from 9am to 3pm in the entomology building, Briggs Hall.
We'll have ladybugs (lady beetles) for you to take home, fun insect temporary tattoos for all ages, preserved insects on display, and a “good bug” scavenger hunt! You can also find information on various pests as we will showcase our publications, online tools, and resources.
Visit us with your pest-related questions and learn about all of the free UC IPM resources available to help you manage pests in the home, garden, or landscape!
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
- Author: Elaine Lander
We don't often find flies such a popular topic of conversation, but given recent events, we'd like to seize the moment to share some science-based information about their status as both pests and beneficial insects.
Flies can be nuisance insects both indoors and outdoors. There are many species of flies in California with some being more problematic than others. In UC IPM's publication Pest Notes: Flies, the authors provide information about identification, habitat, damage, and management of several common flies including house flies and face flies.
You may be surprised to learn that some flies are actually beneficial insects. Many flies in the...
- Author: Elaine Lander
While you are home working, learning, or relaxing, you may have noticed a few other critters sharing space with you. If some of these critters have 8 legs, we have a video to show you how to catch and release them!
Why might you release spiders outside? Spiders are beneficial insects called natural enemies. They are predators that help control other pests and insect eggs.
- Author: Elaine Lander
(Credit: Jack Kelly Clark)
Beneficial insects can provide a lot of support in the garden. Natural enemies, which include predators, parasites, and pathogens, reduce pest populations and can help prevent damage to plants. Pollinators such as honeybees, native bees, butterflies, beetles, and other insects are essential for many vegetables you may be growing.
Natural Enemies
You may not have noticed many of these parasites, pathogens, and predators that help control pests in the garden, but they are there! Lady beetles (ladybugs), lacewings, and predaceous ground beetles are some common predators that you may find in your garden...
