several natural enemies can reduce the population of the insects on hosts. of all the predators, insects seem to be the most important group. insects and their larvae such as pyralid moths (order lepidoptera), which destroy the cactus, and predators such as lady bugs (coleoptera), various diptera (such as syrphidae and chamaemyiidae), lacewings (neuroptera), and ants (hymenoptera) have been identified, as well as numerous parasitic wasps. many birds, human-commensal rodents (especially rats) and reptiles also prey on cochineal insects. in regions dependent on cochineal production, pest control measures are taken seriously. for small-scale cultivation, manual methods of control have proved to be the safest and most effective. for large-scale cultivation, advanced pest control methods have to be developed, including alternative bioinsecticides or traps with pheromones.