How to Attract Braconid Wasps to Fight Your Aphid Problem Naturally

Garden Betty

Meet your garden’s new best friend: the braconid wasp. This beneficial insect doesn’t look like a wasp, isn’t aggressive, and often goes unnoticed, but look more closely and you’ve probably seen its work.

The tiny wasp is notorious for parasitizing caterpillars, aphids, and other pests, making it an important part of your biological pest control army.

Learn how to attract more parasitoids to your garden simply by planting the right plants.

The key to attracting braconid wasps

If you want adult braconids to come lay eggs in your garden, you have to feed them well. As a bonus, you’ll only be beautifying your garden more!

Plant small, nectar-rich flowers all over your garden and among your vegetables as a food source for wasps. Some of their favorites include sweet alyssum, yarrow, and members of the Asteraceae family, such as chamomile, fleabane, and sunflowers.

But in my experience, the best plants for attracting parasitoids are those in the Apiaceae family. Parsley, cilantro, fennel, dill, and many others draw an incredible number of braconid wasps when they’re left to bloom.

The defining characteristic of this family is the inflorescence (cluster of flowers).

Also known as umbellifers, these plants provide a buffet of nectar and pollen for not only braconids, but also lacewings, hoverflies, ladybugs, damsel bugs, soldier beetles, and many other beneficial insects.

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Garden Betty