Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist Practice Exam

Which two insects are commonly used in pest control?

1. Ants and beetles

2. Ladybugs and lacewings

3. Caterpillars and moths

4. Flies and wasps

The correct answer is: Ladybugs and lacewings

Ladybugs and lacewings are commonly used in pest control due to their voracious appetites for garden pests. Ladybugs primarily feed on aphids, which are notorious for damaging plants by sucking their sap. A single ladybug can consume thousands of aphids in its lifetime, making them extremely effective in managing aphid populations. Lacewings, often referred to as "aphid lions" in their larval stage, also target aphids along with other soft-bodied pests such as thrips and spider mites. Both ladybugs and lacewings are beneficial insects that help to maintain a healthy ecosystem in gardens and agricultural settings. They are often introduced deliberately in integrated pest management programs, where biological control is a key component. This method is preferred by many gardeners and farmers as it reduces the need for chemical pesticides, thus promoting a more sustainable approach to pest management. In contrast, while ants and beetles can play roles in the ecosystem, they are not typically relied upon as primary agents of pest control. Caterpillars and moths are usually considered pests themselves, and flies and wasps can cause varying levels of harm or benefit depending on the species, but they are not central to biological pest control strategies.