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Praying Mantis #908834

Asked July 07, 2025, 10:07 PM EDT

Is it a good idea to add praying mantis to my garden as a natural pest control?

Douglas County Colorado

Expert Response

Hi Neal,

Adding praying mantises do a garden can be a lot of fun and some insects will certainly be eaten, but they are not considered a reliable control measure for garden insects.  They eat too many different kinds of things (including siblings!) and in too small quantities to be effective pest control.

Other, specialist predators can be useful for specific pests (minute pirate bugs to fight thrips, for example).

I hope this is helpful!

Cordially,

John

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 08, 2025, 1:36 PM EDT

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