IPM: Parasitoid Wasps Are Important Members of Our Hemp Integrated Pest Management Program

 Parasitic wasps can be highly effective in the biological control of pests like armyworms, an approach that aligns with the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Armyworm crawling across one of our hemp plants

Its that time of year again here on the Arendell Hill Hemp and Veggie Farm and we are seeing hungry armyworms crawling over our crops.

We do not use industrial pesticides to control insects. Instead we employ Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques such as planting lure/trap plants & also planting host plants for beneficial insects such as parasitoid wasps.

There are different species of these wasps, and they each have their unique behaviors, but all work towards the common goal of pest control.

Parasitoid wasp laying eggs in a caterpillar

Parasitic wasps do not directly attack or consume the pests. Instead, they lay their eggs inside or on the body of the armyworms. When the wasp larvae hatch, they begin to feed on the host worm, ultimately leading to its death. This is a gradual process, and the host pest continues to live for some time even after the wasp eggs have been laid.

Two well-known types of these wasps are braconid wasps and ichneumonid wasps. Braconid wasps are generally smaller and often lay their eggs inside their hosts. Ichneumonid wasps, on the other hand, are larger and usually deposit their eggs on the host's exterior.

Parasitoid wasp larvae eat pest insects

Importantly, these wasps target a variety of pests beyond armyworms, such as caterpillars, aphids, and other insect larvae. This makes them incredibly beneficial for maintaining balance in garden ecosystems.

By encouraging the presence of parasitic wasps in your garden, you can help keep armyworm populations under control. This can be achieved by planting a variety of native flowering plants (my favorite is a native mint, Monarda punctata) that provide nectar for adult wasps, or by avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides that can harm these beneficial insects along with the pests.

This approach not only helps manage pests in a way that's safe for the environment but also fosters a balanced and biodiverse ecosystem in your garden.

Let's hear it for the parasitoid wasps in our hemp garden here in Tallahassee!