Which of the following statements is true about beneficial insects?

Beneficial insects play a vital role in pest management by helping to control pest populations naturally. These insects, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, typically prey on harmful pests like aphids, caterpillars, and other insects that can damage plants. By maintaining a balance in the ecosystem, beneficial insects can reduce the need for chemical pesticides, leading to a more sustainable approach in landscape management.

Their natural predation and parasitism help limit pest outbreaks, thus contributing positively to plant health and overall garden or agricultural productivity. This ecological service provided by beneficial insects is foundational to integrated pest management strategies, which aim to minimize the use of chemicals and reduce environmental impact while maintaining effective pest control.

In contrast to this, the other statements do not accurately reflect the role of beneficial insects in a garden or landscape setting. For instance, the idea that they only exist in natural habitats overlooks the presence of beneficial insects in cultivated environments. Similarly, suggesting that they can harm landscape plants does not align with their primary function as pest controllers. Lastly, the comparison that they are less effective than chemical pesticides fails to consider the long-term benefits and sustainability that beneficial insects provide in pest management.