Predatory bugs are generalist predators and will feed on and thus help to control many pests including aphids, suckers, spider mites, codling and tortrix moth eggs and young caterpillars. Predatory flower bugs (anthocorids) are often the most common predatory bug species in apple and pear orchards.
- They overwinter as adults and emerge in March and April congregating on the catkins of willow and sallow before dispersing to other plants.
- They have two generations per year but the broods are not distinct and all stages are present from April to September. There are five nymphal stages.
- Populations can be enhanced by avoiding the use of broad-spectrum insecticides (especially synthetic pyrethroids or chlorpyrifos), by providing willow and sallow in the vicinity of orchards for adults in spring and by tolerating low populations of certain pests such as suckers and apple grass aphid to act as food sources to increase populations.