By  Grady Sampson
While some insects and related organisms are pests that feed on plants in our yards, other insects and related organisms help keep these pests under control. Those that help us are referred to as beneficial insects or just ‘beneficials’.
Beneficials fall into two general categories: parasites and predators. Parasites are usually the immature stage of wasps and flies. The adult wasp or fly lays an egg in or on the egg or immature stage of the pest. The developing parasite usually feeds inside the pest and slowly destroys it.
Predators actively seek and capture their prey. Common predators include adult and immature forms of lady bugs, immature lacewings, immature syrphid or hover flies, adult and immature assassin bugs, adult and immature damsel bugs, and some kinds of stink bugs. In addition, praying mantids, spiders and predatory mites are also predators.
You can attract beneficials to your garden by providing food sources for times when pest populations are low. Many predators feed on pollen and nectar at such times. Provide areas in the yard that are not generally disturbed in order to give them shelter.
Perennial flowerbeds planted with pollen- and nectar-producing plants are one good choice. Also, be sure to provide a source of water.
To encourage beneficials, it is best to avoid unnecessary insecticide applications and to avoid treating pests if beneficials are present and active. The key to not treating when beneficials are present is to learn to recognize the eggs, immature stages, and adult beneficials. Contact your local Extension office for assistance in identifying beneficials.