Iowa Farmers Use Beneficial Insects to Control Pests Naturally

By Andi Anderson

Iowa farmers are turning to beneficial insects to control pests and improve soil health. With the help of Practical Farmers of Iowa, farmers are integrating natural solutions to reduce the need for chemical pesticides and promote a healthier ecosystem.

Tricia Engelbrecht, a flower farmer at Engelbrecht Farm near Waverly, is one of the farmers benefiting from this initiative.

She has introduced ground beetles, lacewings, and parasitic wasps into her fields to manage pests that damage her flowers. Instead of eliminating pests completely, she focuses on controlling them naturally.

“I can never get rid of pests,” Engelbrecht said. “They are part of the ecosystem. But if I can manage them, that helps me.” Aphids, for example, feed on plants and blooms, but beneficial insects help keep their populations in check.

Engelbrecht uses insect strips and beetle banks to create a habitat where beneficial insects can thrive. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and leads to healthier flowers.

However, the process is not always foolproof. She recalled an instance where an entire batch of insect eggs was eaten by unknown predators overnight.

Despite challenges, Engelbrecht continues to receive shipments of beneficial insects every few weeks. Practical Farmers of Iowa also supports her efforts by covering the costs of creating these insect habitats. This partnership helps her maintain a balance between farming and nature while reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals.

By using beneficial insects, farmers across Iowa are embracing sustainable agricultural practices. These natural methods not only improve pest control but also enhance soil health and pollination, making farming more environmentally friendly.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski