Parasitic Wasps

Overview

Parasitic wasps are a large group of many different species of wasps in the hymenoptera family.  These wasps are not harmful to humans and should be encouraged in the garden.  They range in size from barely visible to very large (2" or more).

Parasitic wasps kill pest insects by either laying their eggs inside the host or by directly paralyzing them and then laying eggs on the outside.

How to attract parasitic wasps

Adult parasitic wasps will feed on pollen and nectar of flowering plants, so it's always a good idea to diversify your garden with a number of annuals and perennials.  

Plant these to attract parasitic wasps to your garden:

Alliums (onion family), cilantro, cosmos, dill, fennel, lemon balm, marigold, parsley, sweet alyssum, thyme, and yarrow

You can also introduce parasitic wasps to your garden or greenhouse by purchasing eggs.  

Purchase parasitic insects here!

Pests controlled with parasitic wasps

Aphids, leafminer, mealybugs, moth larva.

Adult parasitic wasp (photo credit: Katja Schulz)

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Purchase Parasitic Insects for Release

Purchase parasitic insects from Arbico

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