Trichogramma Wasps: This Tiny Wasp Species Helps With Natural Pest Control

By March 18 and 2013
Published on March 18, 2013
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Illustration By Keith Ward
Trichogramma wasps may be small, but they pack a big pest-control punch. 

This article is part of ourOrganic Pest Control Series, which includes articles on attracting beneficial insects, controlling specific garden pests, and using organic pesticides.     

Trichogramma Wasps (Hymenoptera)

These extremely small, gnat-sized wasps lay their eggs inside the eggs of other insects, where the young trichogramma develop as internal parasites. Because the trichogramma’s life cycle is very short?—?just seven to 10 days from egg to adult?—?populations can grow rapidly.

What Do Wasps Eat? 

Trichogramma larvae eat insect eggs, especially those of cabbage worms, codling moths, European corn borer, diamondback moths, and other moths and butterflies. Insect eggs that have been parasitized by trichogramma wasps turn black or metallic blue. Adult trichogramma wasps consume flower nectar and sugary substances produced by special glands on the leaves and stems of many garden plants.

How to Attract Trichogramma Wasps to Your Garden  

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