beneficials

plural noun

ben·e·fi·cials ˌbe-nə-ˈfi-shəlz

: organisms (such as ladybugs, lacewings, and bacteria) that feed on or parasitize pests of crops, gardens, and turf

Examples of beneficials in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Assassin bugs, the group to which wheel bug belongs, and other beneficials are profiled in our pollinators and beneficial insects resources online. —

Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 6 Oct. 2022 Second, include flowering plants in your gardens that draw a diverse array of insects, because many predatory beneficials visit flowers to fuel their prey search. —

Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2022 The lady beetles and all the other hungry beneficials WILL come to help you. —

Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Oct. 2021 Comments and questions are welcome throughout the program, and handouts with information about attracting beneficials are offered to participants. —

courant.com, 16 Sep. 2021 Spraying anything that would kill them would affect only a few and mostly hurt other beneficials. —

Howard Garrett, Dallas News, 12 July 2021 The Basic Organic Program, along with the release of beneficials such as trichogramma wasps and beneficial nematodes, will control most insect pests, save water, save money and increase the enjoyment of your gardening and landscaping. —

Howard Garrett, Dallas News, 12 Apr. 2021 Good gardeners grow a diverse palette of plants to minimize disease and encourage beneficials. —

Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2020 Be aware that even organic insecticides often kill bees, butterflies and other beneficials. —

Linda Jones, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2020 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'beneficials.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.