Updated 04/14/2006 NWF Backyard Wildlife Habitat #4244 Beneficial Insects Beneficial nsects cause little damage and help control amaging insects. Encourage them by learning to identify them in both their adult and larval stages. Avoid using pesticides.  Spraying  with non-specific insecticides is sure to kill beneficial insects. Click  for general information. Beneficial Insect Controls  Braconid Wasp   aphids  Dragonflies  mosquitoes, gnats  Lacewings  aphids, thrips, spider mites, scale, whitefly  Ladybug  aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, mealybugs  Praying Mantis   aphids, beetles, grasshoppers, mosquitoes  Spined soldier bug colorado potato beetle, mexican bean beetle  Tachinid flies  caterpillars, cornborers, stink bugs, especially tent caterpillars and army worms Provide:  Food Leave some weeds among your flowers and vegetables to provide food sources.  Water If you don't have a natural shallow water source, fill a shallow dish with stones and water for insects to drink from.  Shelter/Raising young Garden beds provide protected areas for hiding. A hedges and windbreaks reduce dust which can dehydrate beneficial insects. A Country ViewİAll Rights Reserved