But there are a number of aspects you need to be aware of in order to have a successful beneficial program. One is that successful beneficial insect programs do not mean you will have a total eradication of pests. You will still have some level of infestation, but hopefully below the economic threshold. When you keep pest numbers below the economic threshold, your losses from pest damage don't justify the cost of a pesticide or other treatment. Back to top Recognizing different beneficials Beneficial insects are either predators or parasites.
Predators are insects or mites that eat pests.
Parasites reproduce by laying eggs on or in the pest insect or mite. Larvae hatch from the eggs, then eat and kill the host pest. The most commonly recognized predator beneficial insect is the lady beetle. The beetles themselves are insignificant in their pest control. The larvae, however, are voracious feeders on aphids, other soft-bodied insects, and pest insect eggs.