Colorado State University Cooperative Extension.
Beneficial arthropods can prevent or greatly limit pest problems in the yard and garden.
Predators include lady beetles, lacewings and spiders. Common insect parasites are tachinid flies and the braconid and ichneumonid wasps. Several of these beneficial arthropods can be purchased through garden catalogs and other outlets. When insecticides applications are necessary, choose those that are more selective in activity and less harmful to insect predators and parasites. Most insects and other arthropods found in the yard and garden do not feed on or harm plants.