I want to finally beat the scourge that is sawfly larvae. Are there any predatory insects I can get that will destroy these buggers? I’ve searched through various websites and I don’t see anything listed as feeding on sawfly larvae, just Lepidoptera caterpillars, which these aren’t.
I have emailed the Bug Lady, she is the authority on the topic of beneficial insects. Waiting on her response.
Thank you, Rosejoy. Any word from the esteemed Bug Lady?
She has never emailed me back. Maybe Diane Sommer can contact her. Sawflies are a big problem.
I am not sure if there are beneficial insect solutions but I would be interested if there is one. Usually I experience the larvae in spring but they have been a problem all summer! Most likely because this is the first year I am not using chemicals in my garden. I have posted the question on Facebook to the DMV Community - a group that focuses on sharing information and solutions for beneficial insects. I learn a lot from this group and use them to purchase my predatory insects. If you are on Facebook you might want to register to join
Do you have away of contacting Suzanne, the bug lady?
A Google search revealed this:
Several beneficial insects prey on sawfly larvae. These include lacewings, ladybugs, ground beetles, and parasitic wasps. Birds, lizards, frogs, and ants also help control sawfly populations.
Specific beneficial insects and their roles:
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Both adult lacewings and their larvae are predators. The larvae are voracious predators of sawfly larvae and other soft-bodied insects. * Ladybugs:
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Adult ladybugs and their larvae both feed on sawfly larvae. They are attracted to pollen-rich flowers, especially those with an umbel shape, like Queen Anne’s lace. * Ground beetles:
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These beetles are nocturnal and hide during the day under mulch or leaves. They feed on sawfly larvae and other insects. * Parasitic wasps:
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These wasps lay their eggs inside sawfly larvae, and the developing wasp larvae consume the sawfly larva from the inside.
Other natural enemies:
- Birds, lizards, frogs: These can be effective predators of sawfly larvae, especially when populations are large.
- Ants: Some ants also prey on sawfly larvae.
To encourage these beneficial insects, consider planting a variety of flowers to provide pollen and nectar for adults, and create habitats that offer shelter and moisture for ground beetles and other beneficial insects.
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Thanks for researching this, I was just hoping for an answer based on Suzanne’s vast experience and knowledge.
I saw the same info when I searched on Google. I have added Green Lacewings to my garden this year, but I am sure seeing a lot of sawfly damage. I think I will try another approach next season - not sure what yet