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Natural enemies, beneficials, good guys--whatever you call them, these are organisms that kill, reduce the ability to reproduce, or otherwise reduce the numbers of another organism. They are important for managing pest insects using the least toxic methods.
Natural enemies of insect and mite pests include predators, parasites, and pathogens.
Master Gardener Publications
- Attracting Beneficial Insects to Your Garden (PDF 171kb) - plants that will attract the insects you'd love to have as helpers in your garden. (GN 129)
External Resources
- Natural Enemies Gallery - UC IPM.
- Natural Enemies Poster (PDF) - UC IPM.
- Biological Control and Natural Enemies - UC IPM. (PN 74140)
- Natural Enemies Handbook: The Illustrated Guide to Biological Pest Control - UC ANR bookstore.
ANR = free publication from the UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Catalog
PN = free publication from UC Integrated Pest Management
EHN = Environmental Horticulture Notes from the UCCE Master Gardeners of Sacramento County
GN = Garden Notes from the UCCE Master Gardeners of Sacramento County