Natural enemies, especially predatory flower bugs (anthocorids), should be fostered by avoiding the use of broad-spectrum insecticides
- Predatory bugs are the most important natural enemies of apple and pear sucker.
- Predatory flower bugs (anthocorids) are the commonest species but mirids such as Atractotomus mali are can also be important especially on young trees.
- The predatory bugs feed mainly on eggs and nymphs and can be important natural regulating factors if populations are not harmed by the use of broad-spectrum insecticides.