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When I visited the Seattle Spheres and saw the famous green wall with its 40,000 plants, I was mesmerized. But what really caught my eye were these strange little plastic baggies hanging off some stems. I wondered if they were hurting the plants at first. But then I looked closer (okay, maybe a little too close—because I got yelled at by a docent) and realized those bags were filled with insects. Beneficial insects, to be exact. And they were there to manage pests naturally.

You’re probably thinking, “You want me to bring MORE bugs in my home?” I felt the same at first, but after talking to Jamie Stanton from DMV Beneficials, it changed the way I look at these insects. So if you’re like me and have struggled with pests like spider mites, thrips, or mealybugs on your plants, this episode should show you how beneficial insects work in deterring pests… naturally.

 

In this episode, we learn:

• [02:34] Download my new houseplant pest guide for free!
• [03:37] Meet Jamie from DMV Beneficials
• [06:59]  What is a “beneficial insect” and what makes it beneficial?
• [09:59] Why not just use pesticides?
• [12:01] How do these beneficial predators work with your houseplants?
• [13:42] What are the risks of  releasing beneficial insects in your home?
• [14:38] Can beneficial insects sting us?
• [15:19] Never worry about water restriction ever again by picking up a copy of “The Water Smart Garden” by Noelle Johnson
• [16:32] Discover high-quality organic gardening products with Espoma Organic
• [18:22] Stay away from these beneficial insects!
• [20:42] How to get started
• [24:07] What is a nematode?
• [26:19] Problem with ladybugs
• [28:10] Can we see the mites we release?
• [29:35] Beneficial insect against scales
• [29:46] Effective thrips management
• [33:44] Can you use beneficials in tandem with pesticides?
• [34:51] Top houseplant pests that give the most headaches
• [41:31]  How does sustainability play into beneficials?
• [43:45] How DMV Beneficials produce these beneficials
• [48:19] Where to find DMV Beneficials near you

 

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What Are Beneficial Insects?

These insects are “beneficial” because they are natural predators that feast on pests. Think ladybugs (adorable, but not super practical indoors) or tiny mites that munch on spider mites. The concept isn’t new—it’s actually been used in agriculture and greenhouses for decades. But thanks to plant enthusiasts like us and folks like Jamie, it’s becoming more accessible for houseplant parents.

Note: Beneficial insects are pest-specific. You don’t just release random bugs and hope for the best. It’s all about matching the right predator to the pest you’re dealing with.

 

 

Why Should We Consider Beneficial Insects?

Okay, so I was skeptical at first (and my husband would probably freak out if I told him I was intentionally bringing bugs home), but here's why it makes so much sense: pests can’t become resistant.

You know how some pests seem to laugh at our sprays after a while? Things like thrips can actually develop resistance to common treatments like Captain Jack's. But they can't become resistant to being eaten!

They’re super safe and can’t harm plants unlike chemical pesticides. They’re also basically invisible because these things are so microscopic you can’t even see them (maybe except mealybugs).

 

 

How Does It Actually Work?

You order the beneficial insects (through DMV Beneficials or another trusted supplier), and they arrive as tiny adults, babies, or even eggs in sachets. These sachets are like little bug incubators—they slowly release fresh mites onto your plants over 6 to 8 weeks. So you just hang them on your plants and let them do their thing!

 

 

The Top Pests You Can Fight with Beneficial Insects

Depending on what pest you're dealing with, you'll need different predators:

• Spider Mites: Californicus mites or Persimilis mites
• Thrips: Cucumeris mites, soil predators like nematodes, and leaf predators like Orius  insidiosus.
• Mealybugs: Cryptolaemus larvae
• Flat Mites: Californicus mites
• Fungus Gnats: Nematodes
• Scales: Lacewing

 

 

Where to Get Started

If you're intrigued like I am, check out DMV Beneficials. They have chapters all over the country and honestly make this whole process way less intimidating.

Plus, they do group orders which makes it more affordable—we're talking $15-20 per bottle plus about $9 shipping, instead of the crazy $60 shipping you might pay ordering directly.

 

Are There Risks?

Nope! Beneficial insects won’t sting you or your pets. So if your dog eats one, it’s just a little extra protein. However, there are exceptions. For example, avoid lacewing larvae if you’re allergic to insect bites.

 

 

Download My New Guide!

I've got to say, plant friends, I'm sold. As someone who's battled scale for what feels like forever (it's basically my first pet at this point), I'm excited to try this more natural approach. In fact, Jamie's coming to help me set up beneficials in my green wall soon, so stay tuned for that!

And if you're freaking out about intentionally bringing insects into your home, remember—you've probably already got some uninvited pest visitors anyway, so why not bring in some beneficial ones to help you out?

These little predators aren’t just effective—they’re a more natural, sustainable way to care for our plant babies.

If you’re curious about trying beneficial insects, grab my Ultimate Houseplant Pest Guide for step-by-step instructions and pest identification tips.

Let me know in the comments if you've ever tried beneficial insects or if you're thinking about it!

 

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

•  Ultimate Houseplant Pest Guide
• Monterey Horticultural Oil
• What's Your Plant Parent Personality?

 

 

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Espoma Organic

Overwintering your plants or just refreshing their potting mix? Set them up for success with high-quality soil, fertilizer, potting mixes and more! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To top it all off, they have a huge sustainability commitment with a 100% solar-powered plant, zero waste manufacturing, and eco-friendly packaging.

Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.

Quarto: The Water-Smart Garden by Noelle Johnson

If you ever worry about water restriction in your garden, then you'll love The Water-Smart Garden by Noelle Johnson. As freshwater shortages increase, it's more important than ever to conserve water. This book offers dozens of techniques to grow a thriving garden while using less water, no matter your climate. Learn smart plant choices, how to improve soil, xeriscaping, drought-tolerant tips, and more.

Grab a copy of The Water-Smart Garden by Noelle Johnson at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, quarto.com, or amazon.com to get inspired and take action on your garden.

 

 

 

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