Myth Buster: Beneficials Are Complicated

Biological control often gets labeled as complicated, but in reality it’s one of the most straightforward ways to manage pests. Beneficial insects and mites simplify Integrated Pest Management because they remove the constant guesswork that comes with chemical programs. Chemicals require rotation and mid-season changes to avoid resistance, which means extra planning, recalculating active ingredients, and scrambling to adjust when pests adapt. Beneficials don’t create resistance, so your plan stays consistent from start to finish.

The benefits go beyond simplicity. Beneficials save time and labor because they work continuously without repeated applications. Instead of mixing tanks, suiting up in PPE, and waiting for re-entry intervals, you hang sachets, sprinkle bottle products, or place wasp cards—and then let them do the work. They hunt pests day and night, reducing pressure before it becomes a problem. This means fewer crop losses, less stress, and more time for production.

Beneficials are also scalable. Start small with preventative rates in propagation or young plant areas, then increase as your crop expands. If pest pressure spikes, you can respond quickly by adding more sachets or supplementing with bottles—without overhauling your entire program. This flexibility makes biological control ideal for operations that grow seasonally or scale up over time.

There’s a sustainability advantage too. Beneficials reduce chemical residues, protect pollinators, and support compliance with retailer and consumer demands for clean, eco-friendly production. They align with market trends without sacrificing performance.

In short, beneficials are practical, reliable, and cost-effective. They keep your crops healthy without the resistance rollercoaster, they grow with your business, and they free up your time for what matters most. Start early, stay consistent, and let beneficials do the work so you can focus on growing.