Can you fight fire with fire? We say you can! Check out our video showing Oregon nurseries effectively fighting common insect pests with natural enemies.

Many pests are growing resistant to insecticides. Chemicals can be risky, triggering secondary pest outbreaks and creating hazards for workers and pollinators. This makes biological control an exciting method for controlling pests. The video features Robin Rosetta of Oregon State University, Kelly Vance (formerly of Fessler Nursery) and Ron Tuckett of Monrovia Nursery, each sharing insights about implementing biological control in commercial nursery production.

Additional Resources

Websites:

Oregon State University Pacific Northwest Integrated Pest Management (additional resources are listed here as well)

The Association of Natural Biocontrol Producers (ANBC)

Online Publications:

Beneficial Insects Guide from Washington State University Extension

A Pocket Guide to Common Natural Enemies of Crop and Garden Pests in the Pacific Northwest by Mario Ambrosino

Books & Print:

Natural Enemies Handbook: The Illustrated Guide to Biological Pest Control from University of California

Integrated Pest Management for Floricultures and Nurseries from University of California