Hundreds of other species may be there as well, but some of them such as parasitic wasps are so small that you probably won't see them. How to encourage beneficial insects in your yard. Unfortunately, most insecticides kill beneficial insects as well as pests. Consider the following before spraying for control. Identify the pest before applying any control method.
Field guides are available at most bookstores or public libraries.
Your local Cooperative Extension Service office may have fact sheets on common insect pest identification. Determine how much damage is being done to the plant. Depending on the size of the plant and the amount of damage, no control may be needed. A few nibbled leaves on a large plant do not necessarily require control. Often, it is quicker and more effective to physically remove the pests from the plants.