Ichneumon wasps are natural pest controllers that can be used in organically managed gardens. Since these are apparently wasps, there are corresponding reservations. But can the animals really sting?

In a nutshell

  • Ichneumon wasps are not actually wasps
  • parasitize on many pests in vegetable and orchards
  • Can also be used against storage pests
  • there is a special type of parasitic wasp for many pests
  • have no poison, just a ovipositor

What are parasitic wasps?

All species of parasitic wasp belong to the hymenoptera. In most cases they are very small, i.e. less than 1 cm long. There are also larger species that are not used commercially as beneficial insects, but are still useful in the wild. It is therefore worth creating areas in the garden that attract wasps.

way of life

Ichneumon wasps parasitize other insects. With the help of their ovipositor, they lay their eggs in eggs, larvae or adult animals of certain insect species. There the eggs develop into larvae and eat the host from the inside out. The larvae pupate and adults hatch, the development cycle starts over.

Notice: Adult parasitic wasps are not predatory. They feed on pollen or nectar.

Use as a pest controller

The following species are offered for pest control, among others:

  • Encarsia formosa: against whitefly, leafminer
  • Aphid parasitic wasp (Aphidius colemani): against aphids
  • Genus Trichogramma: against food moth, clothes moth, codling moth
Ichneumon wasps can be used against fruit and vegetable pests, such as the voracious codling moth caterpillar (Cydia pomonella).

Use parasitic wasps correctly

The beneficial insects come on carrier cards and only have to be placed or hung at the infested site. The animals hatch and then go in search of food on their own. Repeated application over several weeks is important. Because some species only have a short lifespan and only reproduce in a limited way.

Notice: Most suppliers of beneficial insects send several cards a few weeks apart. The cards can only be stored for a short period of time.

Are parasitic wasps dangerous?

parasitic wasps are only dangerous for insectsthat they are targeting. They cannot sting or bite, nor are they poisonous. It is also not to be assumed that their number will get out of hand, since this is directly dependent on the number of pests against which they are used.

Diplazon laetatorius is perhaps the world's most common species of parasitic wasp. But she, like all her relatives, is harmless to people and pets.

Disadvantages of using parasitic wasps

There are no dangerous consequences for the user, other people or animals. Nevertheless, the use of parasitic wasps has some disadvantages.

  1. The biggest disadvantage is the long timeto fight pests with beneficial insects. The wasps first have to find the pests and lay their eggs in them. Then the parasite eats the vermin. It is important not to eliminate any pests during this period so that the wasps can reproduce undisturbed.
  2. When using beneficial insects, a simultaneous use of insecticides is excluded. Any pesticides would also harm the wasps. This may also apply to home remedies, such as certain herbs or essential oils.
  3. It is difficult to control the infestation or the success of the pest elimination as the pests are still on the move and there is no way to tell when they are infested with parasites.
  4. The beneficial insects must first be ordered and will then be delivered. In the vast majority of cases, they cannot be bought directly in the store. This also delays the fight.
  5. Most species of parasitic wasps specialize in certain pests. They cannot be used for all types of vermin.
  6. Although the parasitic wasps are not dangerous, there are some species that also parasitize on beneficial insects, such as ladybirds.

frequently asked Questions

Where can you buy the beneficial insects?

Order cards for the beneficial insects are available in garden stores. The beneficial insects can be ordered directly from various providers on the Internet.

What happens when all pests are gone?

In the case of storage pests, thorough cleaning of the affected areas is appropriate. The remains of the insects are also removed. As for beneficial insects, if they don't find new food, they die.

Can the parasitic wasp go free?

Since most of these are native species, the wasps are allowed outside. Most beneficial insects don't survive more than a few days anyway. If you don't want them to die of lack of food indoors, you can open the window or the door so that at least some of the animals can find their way to freedom. They are not dangerous for the environment.

Category:

Animals in the garden