Stacey Hickman
About Stacey Hickman
Posts by Stacey Hickman:
Anystis 100-Egg Hanging Vial
A New Way to Establish Anystis on the Crop Natural Insect Control is developing a new 100-egg Anystis hanging vial, designed to provide a timed release of Anystis hatchlings directly into the crop. This new delivery method is being evaluated as a practical way to introduce Anystis into greenhouse crops and establish this predatory mite […]
Read MoreIn Control – Naturally September 2026
Who’s Invading Your Lawn? Your lawn may look peaceful on the surface—but underneath, there could be a whole pest party going on! From white grubs munching on roots underground, to cranefly larvae quietly damaging your turf, and chinch bugs sucking the life out of grass, these tiny troublemakers can turn a healthy lawn into a […]
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European Crane Fly in Ontario Lawns
The “Giant Mosquito” You Don’t Want in Your Grass Have you noticed a few strange-looking insects flying awkwardly around your lawn in late summer? They look a little like giant mosquitoes with ridiculously long legs—but don’t worry, they aren’t mosquitoes, and they don’t bite. They’re European crane flies. While the adults are mostly harmless, what […]
Read MoreIn Control – Naturally August 2026
Thrips parvispinus: A New Thrips Threat A new thrips species is making its way into greenhouses and indoor growing operations—and it’s one worth watching. Thrips parvispinus, also known as tobacco or pepper thrips, is an invasive pest that feeds on more than 100 plant species, including ornamentals, vegetables, cannabis, and many tropical houseplants. Unlike many […]
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Tiny Heroes vs. Flea Beetles: Let Nature Do the Dirty Work!
Have you ever walked out to admire your beautiful lettuce, kale, or arugula only to find the leaves covered in tiny “shot holes”? Meet the culprit: flea beetles. These little jumpers can turn healthy seedlings into Swiss cheese almost overnight! The good news? You don’t have to fight them alone. Nature has its own secret […]
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Snack Time for Ladybugs: How to Host the Cutest Pest Control Team Ever
If you’ve ever spotted a ladybug in your garden and whispered, “Welcome, tiny warrior,” congratulations—you are my kind of gardener. Ladybugs are a non-complaining pest control crew we all want, but even heroes get “hangry”. When aphids are scarce (hello early spring and late fall), ladybugs can pack up and leave your yard in search […]
Read MoreIn Control – Naturally May 2026
Praying mantises are fascinating garden companions and excellent natural pest predators. If you have an egg case (ootheca), attach it to a branch or shrub in a warm, sheltered spot with partial shade this spring. See our newsletter for all the tips!
Read MoreConfessions of a Gardener: Outsmarting Japanese Beetles Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Roses)
The Beetle Trap: “Hey, Free Buffet Over Here!” Japanese beetle traps are basically the garden version of a neon “OPEN” sign. They use floral scents and pheromones to lure adult beetles into bags they can’t escape from. Very satisfying. Pro tipPlace these traps about 30 feet away from your prized plants. Any closer and you’re […]
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Mason Bees vs. Leafcutter Bees: Choosing Your Favorite Tiny Tenant (or Hosting Both)
If you’ve ever looked at a bee hotel and thought, “Should I be running background checks on who moves in?”—good news. Mason bees and leafcutter bees are both polite, solitary renters who pay their rent in pollination. No stings, no swarms, no HOA complaints. Just vibes and vegetables. That said, these two bee cousins have […]
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Boxwood Drama: When Your Shrubs Get Munched and What to Do About It
If you grow boxwood in southern Ontario, chances are your shrubs have already joined a very exclusive club: Plants That Have Met the Box Tree Moth.Don’t worry—you’re not a bad gardener. You didn’t forget to water. You didn’t anger the soil spirits. This moth is now widespread, very hungry, and has absolutely no manners. The […]
Read MoreIn Control – Naturally March 2026 Newsletter
As spring approaches, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about proactive orchard pest management. In this edition, we’re focusing on practical, environmentally friendly control strategies—specifically the use of beneficial nematodes and effective trapping methods. These tools offer a targeted way to manage pest populations early in the season, helping to reduce damage before it […]
Read MoreIn Control – Naturally: February 2026 Newsletter
Amblyseius andersoni is a teeny-tiny predatory mite with a big appetite for troublemakers. Widely employed in horticulture and agriculture, this microscopic bouncer works as a biological control agent, kicking out a whole lineup of pests—especially other mites and baby thrips larvae.
Read MoreIn Control – Naturally: January 2026 Newsletter
Meet Amblydromalus limonicus: New Biological Control for 2026 The Cool-Weather Thrips Hunter That Doesn’t Quit When greenhouse temperatures dip, many biological controls slow down. Amblydromalus limonicus does the opposite. This tiny predatory mite keeps working when conditions are cool—making it a standout choice for early-season, winter, and mixed-pest greenhouse crops.
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Announcing your BBB* Accreditation
Stevensville, Ontario — Natural Insect Control (NIC) is proud to announce our accreditation with the Better Business Bureau® (BBB). Since 1989, NIC has been a pioneer in natural pest control—long before “green” and “sustainable” became industry buzzwords. Founded by Sandra and David Mitchell at their kitchen table, NIC began by packaging ladybugs to naturally solve […]
Read MoreDecember 2025 Newsletter: Year In Review
2025 Year in Review: Greenhouse Guardians Gone Wild (…in a good way!) What a year in the greenhouse! In 2025, our tiny heroes — brown lacewings and Anystis baccarum — took center stage, showing once again that you don’t need capes to save crops. These fierce (but friendly) predators spent the season patrolling leaves, hunting […]
Read MoreDecember 2025 Newsletter: Scale Controls
Scale insects might be tiny, but they sure know how to make a big mess. The good news? A few smart strategies can keep your plants happy, healthy, and scale-free. Let’s dive in!
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November 2025 Newsletter: Scales
Scale insects may be tiny, but they can cause big trouble for your houseplants. These stealthy sap-suckers attach themselves like little barnacles, quietly draining energy and leaving behind sticky residue that attracts even more pests. Spotting them early can save your plants—and your sanity—so this month we’re diving into how to identify and manage these […]
Read MoreNovember 2025 Newsletter: Spider Mite Controls
Stop the Spider Mite Madness! How to Outsmart Spider Mites Before They Take Over Tiny but mighty, spider mites are the uninvited guests that can turn your favorite houseplants or greenhouse crops into their personal buffet. Once they move in, they multiply fast—so catching them early is key! The good news? You can win this […]
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October 2025 Newsletter: Spider Mites
Welcome to the Spider Mite Watch!Stay informed with the latest insights, tips, and updates on spider mite activity, and prevention. Whether you’re a grower, supplier, or enthusiast, our newsletter keeps you ahead of the curve with practical advice.
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