A gardener’s natural inclination is to panic a little bit when they see a bug in their garden. However, it is important to remember that there are both “good” bugs and “bad” bugs. Before you attempt to get rid of every pest that you see, take a little time to learn about which bugs can actually help you achieve your gardening goals. Certain insects will eat some of the most problematic bugs you find in your garden, like aphids. This article will describe a few of those good bugs to you, and tell you a little bit about what they can do for you.
Most people are aware that ladybugs are a welcome sight in any garden, but did you know that lady beetles are even more beneficial? These bugs prey on things like aphids, mites and thrips, some of the most troublesome pests that you will find in your garden. Unlike some of the other beneficial bugs, both the larvae and the adult lady beetles will eat the bad bugs, helping you get rid of your issues much more quickly than you could have imagined. Picture a very little alligator and you will have some idea of what a lady beetle looks like. They can easily be mistaken for a pest, though, so make sure you do some research and have an idea of their appearance so you don’t accidentally harm them.
There is a myth circulating that it is against the law to hurt a praying mantis. While this isn’t true, praying mantids should be a welcome visitor to your garden. They are one of the few insects that can get rid the large pests that you will battle against in your natural space. You have to be on the lookout for a praying mantis, though, because they easily blend in with plants and leaves. However, keep in mind that praying mantids eat all bugs, both good and bad; anything is fair game.
Syrphid Flies look nearly identical to bees, but there is one quick way to tell them apart. Simply focus on their wings; like all other flies, this bug has only two wings. They tend to hang out on the leaves of your plants, as they mainly consume aphids. They have an innate ability to get into small spaces where aphids like to set up camp, so they are particularly useful for gardeners. In addition, they will also pollinate your plants, and you may see them flying just above your flowers as a result. So, the next time you think that bees are circling in your garden, look a little closer and determine whether or not you actually have Syrphid Flies.
Many people think that bugs and gardens don’t mix. The fact is, though, that there are many bugs that you actually want to see in your space. Use the information above to identify some of the most common ones. If you spot something in your garden you don’t recognize, research it first to ensure that it is, in fact, a troublesome pest and not a helpful bug.