10 Beneficial Insects. We all know insects can be pests, but did you know plenty of them are actually on your side? Beneficial insects can make your garden healthier and more productive by pollinating plants, destroying pests, and improving soil. Let’s look into some helpful bugs you’ll want to welcome into your garden.
1. Ladybugs
Ladybugs aren’t just cute; they’re also serious aphid killers. A single ladybug can eat up to 50 aphids a day! They also feast on other pests like mites and whiteflies. If you’re fighting a pest problem, releasing ladybugs into your garden can make a huge difference.
Learn more about attracting ladybugs here.
2. Bees
Bees are the ultimate pollinators, ensuring your flowers, fruits, and veggies thrive. Both honeybees and native bees like bumblebees spread pollen as they move from plant to plant. No bees? No harvest! So, make sure you provide them with flowering plants, especially native ones, to keep them buzzing along.
Check out tips for supporting pollinators like bees here.
3. Green Lacewings
Don’t let their delicate looks fool you—green lacewings are natural pest assassins. Their larvae, sometimes called “aphid lions,” devour aphids, mealybugs, and caterpillars. If you see one in your garden, consider yourself lucky. They’re working hard to keep your plants safe.
4. Parasitic Wasps
Parasitic wasps might sound terrifying, but they only target pests, not humans. These tiny wasps lay their eggs inside pests like caterpillars and aphids. When the larvae hatch, they consume the pest from the inside out. It’s nature’s creepy yet genius pest control.
Find more about their role in gardens here.
5. Hoverflies
Hoverflies look like tiny bees, but they don’t sting. They’re amazing pollinators, and their larvae munch through aphids, thrips, and scale insects. Planting flowers like marigolds and dill can help attract them.
Discover how to attract hoverflies and other insects here.
6. Ground Beetles
These nocturnal hunters patrol the soil, eating pests like slugs, caterpillars, and cutworms. Ground beetles rarely climb plants, so they focus on keeping the soil layer pest-free. They’re great allies for any gardener fighting root or soil-borne pest issues. Ground Beetles do eat seeds and new shoots of plants, however the vast majority of them are natural predators.
7. Butterflies
While not every stage of a butterfly’s life is beneficial (caterpillars can munch on plants), adult butterflies are excellent pollinators. They add beauty and are wonderful to look at in your garden while helping flowers and crops thrive. Just plant their favorite flowers like lavender and zinnias to attract them! Learn more about Types of plants that attract butterflies.
8. Dragonflies
Dragonflies are aerial acrobats that feast on mosquitoes, flies, and midges. If you’ve got a water feature in your garden, they’re likely to show up. Not only do they lower annoying bug populations, but they’re also fun to watch as they zip through the air.
9. Soldier Beetles
These beetles are great pollinators that also love to feed on aphids, caterpillars, and grasshopper eggs. They’re harmless to humans and plants but a nightmare for soft-bodied pests. You can attract them by planting goldenrod, marigolds, and milkweed.
10. Praying Mantises
The praying mantis is the ultimate garden predator. These big, powerful insects eat just about anything, from aphids to beetles. Be mindful, though—they’re not picky and might eat beneficial bugs (or each other) too.
Conclusion
Beneficial insects are an excellent way to do organic gardening. By attracting them, you’ll be helping your garden grow naturally and cutting down on pesticide use. Simple steps like planting diverse flowers and avoiding harsh chemicals can turn your yard into a paradise for these helpful critters.
For more tips on how to attract these bugs and make your garden thrive, have a look at this article.
So, who’s going to start rolling out the welcome mat for ladybugs and lacewings? Make space for these little helpers, and they’ll return the favor by keeping your garden happy and healthy.
Greenhouse Manager, Master Gardener, and Webmaster.
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