These beneficial insects are good guy bugs that help control pests naturally and pollinate flowers.
What Are Beneficial Insects?
While pollinators do a lot to help gardens, they arent the only insect allies.
Credit:Scott Little
Hoverflies and other fly species pollinate over 70% of food crops and wildflowers.
In addition, robber flies, hoverflies, and tachinid flies also prey on cabbage loopers.
Plus, parasitic wasps dont sting or bite humans.
Credit:David Speer
David Speer
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Ladybugs
Ladybugs may look cute, but theyre hardworking predatory insects that gobble up aphid infestations with ease.
Incredibly, a single ladybug can eat up to 5,000 aphids in its lifetimebut ladybugs do more than that.
Credit:Blaine Moats
Beyond aphids, ladybugs also hunt a variety ofsmall plant pests, includingmealybugs,hard-bodied scale, andleafhoppers.
Lacewings are also incidental pollinators that transfer pollen back and forth between flowers while hunting.
Blaine Moats
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Credit:Scott Little
Spiders
Many spider species visit gardens, including garden spiders, crab spiders, and wolf spiders.
Assassin Bugs
Assassin bugs are named for their slow and solitary hunting style.
Theyre often sighted on plants withpest infestations.
These insects closely resemble leaf-footed bugs, which also feed on plants.
However, assassin bugs are rarely seen in groups, while leaf-footed bugs cluster on plants while feeding.
If yourestruggling with roaches, aphids, or cabbage loopers, assassin bugs will help.
Predatory Beetles
Japanese beetlesare infamous garden pests that target food crops and rose bushes.
However, not all beetles are destructive, and some beetles are handy for keeping pests in line.
Tips for Attracting Beneficial Insects
Some websites and garden centers sell beneficial insects for natural pest control.
