Think before you squish! Not every creepy-crawly in your garden is a pest.
When gardeners spot an unfamiliar insect, their first instinct may be to remove it. But some unusual-looking creatures actually protect and benefit plants! From aphid-eating larvae to beetles that hunt caterpillars, these garden visitors help maintain a healthy, balanced ecosystem. Meet 9 friends you may be mistaking for foes.
- Ladybug Larvae
They may look like miniature alligators, but their dark, spiky bodies belong to hungry natural pest controllers. Why they’re friends: They consume large numbers of aphids and other soft-bodied insects before becoming adult ladybugs. Where to find them: Roses, vegetable plants, and areas with aphids.
- Lacewing Larvae
Sometimes called aphid lions, these tiny, jawed predators look fierce. Adults are delicate insects with translucent wings. Why they’re friends: They feed on aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and other small insects. Where to find them: Vegetable gardens, flowers, and leafy ornamentals.
- Hoverflies
Is it a bee or a wasp? Neither! These harmless flies have similar yellow-and-black markings. Why they’re friends: Adults pollinate flowers; larvae of many species feed on aphids. Where to find them: Alyssum, dill, marigolds, and other nectar-rich flowers.
- Parasitic Wasps
Many are tiny and rarely noticed. They help control pests by laying eggs in or on other insects. Why they’re friends: Certain species target caterpillars, including tomato hornworms. Where to find them: Tomatoes, vegetable gardens, and flowering herbs.
Did you know? White rice-like cocoons on hornworms often belong to braconid wasps; leave these caterpillars undisturbed.
- Ground Beetles
These dark, fast-moving beetles usually hide by day and hunt at night. Why they’re friends: Many eat caterpillars, insect eggs, and other pests. Where to find them: Under mulch, stones, logs, and garden debris.
- Praying Mantises
Recognizable by triangular heads and grasping front legs, mantises wait patiently for prey. Why they’re friends: They hunt flies, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and other insects. Where to find them: Tall grasses, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables.
Good to know: They also eat pollinators and other beneficial insects, so they are not targeted pest control.
- Soldier Beetles
These slender, soft-bodied beetles are often found visiting flowers. Why they’re friends: Adults visit flowers for pollen and nectar; larvae prey on small insects and eggs. Where to find them: Goldenrod, asters, zinnias, and other flowers.
- Spined Soldier Bugs
These predatory stink bugs resemble plant-feeding stink bugs but hunt crop pests. Why they’re friends: They eat caterpillars and beetle larvae, including Colorado potato beetle larvae. Where to find them: Potatoes, tomatoes, beans, and other vegetables.
- Centipedes
Fast-moving and many-legged, these soil-dwelling hunters may startle gardeners. Why they’re friends: They feed on insects, larvae, and other small invertebrates. Where to find them: Moist soil, beneath stones, mulch, and decaying wood.
Good to know: They can bite if handled; leave them undisturbed.
HOW TO WELCOME BENEFICIAL INSECTS
• Plant a variety of flowers: Alyssum, dill, yarrow, asters, and other blooms provide nectar and pollen.
• Avoid unnecessary pesticides: Broad-spectrum insecticides can harm beneficial insects as well as pests.
• Provide shelter: Mulch, native plants, and undisturbed areas offer habitat and overwintering sites.
• Learn before treating: Identify insects before taking action to avoid removing helpful garden allies.