Beneficial insects tackle pests in Sydney's historic rose garden

Ladybirds and parasitic wasps are helping control aphids at Centennial Park’s rose garden in Sydney, according to an ABC News report published on 12 November.

The garden has about 800 rose plants. Its horticultural team releases beneficial insects in batches during spring, using predators to control sap-sucking aphids rather than relying only on sprays. The insects are supplied from South Australia.

The team told ABC that this season’s release program cost about A$1,300 and reduced the need for chemicals that could also harm bees. The report describes a managed garden program, not advice to release unidentified insects in other locations.