At Ponics Produce, we believe in producing the highest quality produce for our customers (that’s you!), and that includes using environmentally friendly methods to control pests in our greenhouses. That’s why we use an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that utilizes beneficial insects such as ladybugs and mantises to control pests naturally instead of the harmful chemical treatments other produce growers may use.
Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is an approach that uses a combination of different methods to control pests. This includes cultural, mechanical, and biological methods to keep pest populations at acceptable levels without harming the environment or the plants. In our greenhouses, we have released tens of thousands of ladybugs and mantises to help control pests such as aphids, spider mites, and thrips, which are common greenhouse pests that can cause damage to the plants.
Ladybugs, are natural predators of many common greenhouse pests. They are voracious eaters and can consume hundreds of aphids in a single day. Fun fact: The ladybug is also known as the ladybird beetle or lady beetle. In some cultures, the ladybug is considered a symbol of good luck.
Praying mantises, are another beneficial insect that we use in our IPM program. They are known for their unique hunting technique, which involves holding their front legs in a praying position, hence the name. Fun fact: Praying mantises are also known for their ability to rotate their heads 180 degrees to keep a lookout for prey.
As part of our IPM program, we also use other methods to control pests such as proper plant care, sanitation, and monitoring for pests. This includes regular inspections of the plants to detect pests early, removing infested plants and keeping the greenhouse clean to minimize the potential for pests to thrive.
We believe that using IPM in our greenhouses is the best way to produce high-quality, healthy produce for our customers while also protecting the environment. By using beneficial insects like ladybugs and mantises, we can control pests naturally and without the use of harmful chemicals. We are proud to be able to offer our customers produce grown using this sustainable method.
We are always looking for ways to improve our methods and produce the best quality produce possible. If you have any questions or suggestions about our IPM program, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Thank you for choosing Ponics Produce!
Best regards, The Ponics Produce Team