Can Scents Attract Helpful Insects? A Raspberry Garden Trial
As more gardeners look for eco-friendly pest control methods, beneficial insect attractants are gaining attention. These plant-based scents can help you naturally manage aphids and other pests by drawing in insects that feed on them. In a recent raspberry field trial, researchers tested a special attractant designed to boost natural pest control. Here’s what they found—and how it might help in your own garden.
How Beneficial Insect Attractants Work for Natural Pest Control
Certain plants release chemical signals, called synomones, when under attack by pests. These scents attract helpful predatory insects like lacewings, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps—all of which are natural enemies of garden pests like aphids. Scientists recreated this scent mix and tested it in a raspberry field using sticky traps.
Field Test: Using Beneficial Attractants in a Raspberry Garden
The trial used 20 yellow sticky traps: 10 with the attractant and 10 without. These were spaced across raspberry polytunnels and left for two weeks. Researchers then counted the number and type of insects caught to see if the attractant made a difference.
Results: Beneficial Insects Respond to Natural Pest Attractants
The traps with the attractant caught significantly more:
- Lacewings
- Hoverflies
- Anthocorid bugs
- Parasitic wasps
These are all highly effective at controlling soft-bodied pests. However, ladybirds didn’t seem more attracted to the scented traps.
Pesticide-Free Areas Had More Beneficial Garden Insects
In areas of the field that had recently been sprayed with pesticides, far fewer beneficial insects were caught. This shows how chemical sprays can reduce helpful insect numbers—and how natural pest attractants may help populations recover more quickly.
Garden Pollinators and Predators Are Attracted from Surrounding Habitat
Most of the insects caught were on the outer-facing side of the trap, suggesting they were coming from nearby hedgerows or flower strips. This highlights how planting wildflowers or pollinator-friendly borders can enhance the success of beneficial insect attractants.
Helpful vs. Non-Helpful Insects Attracted by Raspberry Insect Lures
While a few insects caught weren’t helpful (like Eristalis hoverflies whose larvae live in water), most—such as Syrphus and Eupeodes—are excellent aphid hunters. Knowing which species are being attracted is key to making the most of natural pest control.
Best Practices for Using Beneficial Insect Lures in the Garden
This study suggests several benefits for gardeners:
- Increase predator numbers naturally
- Restore populations after pesticide use
- Support early-season pest control
- Reduce the need for chemical sprays
However, sticky traps can unintentionally catch bees and other pollinators. Use them cautiously—ideally away from flowering plants or just for monitoring.
Conclusion: Beneficial Insect Attractants for Organic Raspberry Gardening
Using plant-based insect attractants is a promising tool for natural pest control in raspberry gardens and beyond. When paired with flowers, good habitat, and minimal pesticide use, these attractants can help build a stronger, healthier garden ecosystem.