Beneficials
Beneficial insects are living biological controls used to target specific plant pests such as aphids, mealybugs and whitefly. Explore Milbies beneficial insects for houseplants, greenhouses and other suitable growing environments.
Shop Beneficial Insects
Aphid Control with Lacewing Larvae
Aphid Control with Ladybird Larvae
Mealybug Control with Cryptolaemus
Red Spider Mite Control with A. andersoni
Red Spider Mite Control with Phytoseiulus
Thrips Control
Whitefly Control with Encarsia
Natural enemies for targeted plant pest control
Beneficial insects are selected because of the way they interact with particular pests. Depending on the species, they may hunt pests directly or parasitise them as part of their natural life cycle.
Different beneficial insects are suited to different pest problems. For example, ladybird larvae can be used against aphids, Cryptolaemus against mealybugs and Encarsia against whitefly.
Choosing the right biological control also depends on the growing environment and conditions at the time of release. Always follow the instructions supplied with your individual Milbies product.
Biological pest control with a specific job to do
Different beneficial insects are chosen for different pests, giving you a more targeted approach to biological pest control.
Pest-specific
Beneficial insects are selected according to the particular pest you want to target.
Living biological control
These products use carefully selected living organisms as part of a biological pest-control approach.
Ideal for protected growing
Many beneficial insects are particularly useful for houseplants, greenhouses and other protected growing spaces.
Clear guidance
Product information helps you understand which organism suits your pest and how it should be released.
Not sure which beneficial insect you need?
Start by identifying the pest, learn how biological controls are used, or contact Milbies if you're still unsure which option is right for your plants.
Common questions about beneficial insects
Useful information before choosing, receiving or releasing a living biological control.
What are beneficial insects?
Beneficial insects are living organisms used as biological controls against particular plant pests. Depending on the species, they may act as predators or parasitoids.
Which pests can beneficial insects help control?
Different beneficial insects target different pests. Milbies offers beneficial insects for pest problems including aphids, mealybugs and whitefly.
Do all beneficial insects target the same pests?
No. Each beneficial organism has its own target pests and suitable conditions. Choosing the correct product for the pest you're dealing with is important.
Can beneficial insects be used on houseplants?
Some beneficial insects can be suitable for houseplants and indoor growing environments. Always check the individual product information to make sure the organism is suitable for your pest and growing conditions.
Are beneficial insects suitable for greenhouses?
Many beneficial insects are particularly useful in greenhouse and other protected growing environments. Suitability depends on the species, target pest and conditions.
Does temperature matter when releasing beneficial insects?
Yes. Different beneficial organisms can have different temperature and environmental requirements. Check the individual product instructions before release.
How should beneficial insects be stored after delivery?
Beneficial insects are living products. Follow the storage and release instructions supplied with your specific product and avoid keeping them longer than recommended.
How do I choose the right beneficial insect?
Start by identifying the pest, then check which beneficial organism targets it and whether the current growing conditions are suitable. The Milbies Pest Guide can help you narrow down the most relevant option.
Still unsure which biological control is right?
Use the Milbies Pest Guide to narrow down the likely pest, or get in touch if you need help choosing the most relevant beneficial organism.