We all know that insects can be a nuisance in our gardens, but did you know that there are many insects that are beneficial to your plants? These “good bugs” prey on harmful pests, helping to keep your garden healthy and thriving. In this article, we will cover 15 types of beneficial insects, what they prey on, the plants they’re attracted to, and the benefits they bring to your garden.
Table of Contents
Ladybugs
Preys on: Aphids, scale insects, whiteflies, and mealybugs.
Attracted by: Dill, fennel, marigold, yarrow, and cosmos.
Benefits to garden: Ladybugs are excellent natural pest controllers, helping to keep aphid populations in check and preventing damage to your plants.
Praying Mantises
Preys on: Various insects including aphids, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and crickets.
Attracted by: Tall grasses, shrubs, and flowering plants.
Benefits to garden: Praying mantises are voracious predators, helping to control many different types of pests in your garden.
Spiders
Preys on: Various insects such as aphids, caterpillars, and flies.
Attracted by: A diverse range of plants, as they prefer a variety of hiding spots.
Benefits to garden: Spiders are important predators in the garden, helping to control many different pests and keeping populations in check.
Ground Beetles
Preys on: Slugs, snails, cutworms, and other insects.
Attracted by: Perennials, ground covers, and mulch.
Benefits to garden: Ground beetles are nocturnal predators that help control many pests, including those that feed on the roots and leaves of your plants. They also contribute to soil aeration and nutrient cycling.
Aphid Midges
Preys on: Aphids.
Attracted by: Dill, fennel, mustard, and other plants with small flowers.
Benefits to garden: Aphid midges are effective predators of aphids, helping to reduce their numbers and the damage they cause to your plants.
Braconid Wasps
Preys on: Caterpillars, beetles, and aphids.
Attracted by: Parsley, dill, fennel, and other flowering plants.
Benefits to garden: Braconid wasps lay their eggs inside pests, eventually killing them. This helps control various pest populations and protects your plants.
Damsel Bugs
Preys on: Aphids, small caterpillars, leafhoppers, and other small insects.
Attracted by: Alfalfa, caraway, and other plants with small flowers.
Benefits to garden: Damsel bugs are generalist predators that help control a variety of pests, keeping your garden healthier and more balanced.
Green Lacewings
Preys on: Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and other soft-bodied insects.
Attracted by: Dill, fennel, coriander, and other flowering plants.
Benefits to garden: Green lacewings are effective predators of many pests, helping to maintain a healthy garden ecosystem and protect your plants from damage.
Minute Pirate Bugs
Preys on: Thrips, spider mites, aphids, and small caterpillars.
Attracted by: Goldenrod, daisies, and other plants with small flowers.
Benefits to garden: Minute pirate bugs are tiny but efficient predators, helping to control a variety of pests and keep your garden healthy.
Soldier Beetles
Preys on: Aphids, caterpillars, and other soft-bodied insects.
Attracted by: Goldenrod, marigold, and other plants with bright flowers.
Benefits to garden: Soldier beetles help control pest populations and also serve as pollinators, contributing to a thriving garden ecosystem.
Tachnid Flies
Preys on: Caterpillars, beetles, and other insects.
Attracted by: Dill, fennel, parsley, and other flowering plants.
Benefits to garden: Tachnid flies are parasitic insects that lay their eggs inside pests, helping to control their populations and protect your plants.
Mealybug Destroyer
Preys on: Mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects.
Attracted by: Fennel, dill, sunflowers, and other flowering plants.
Benefits to garden: Mealybug destroyers are effective predators of many pests, helping to maintain a healthy garden ecosystem and protect your plants from damage.
Hoverflies
Preys on: Aphids, thrips, and other small insects.
Attracted by: Dill, fennel, parsley, and other flowering plants.
Benefits to garden: Hoverflies are both pollinators and predators, helping to control pests while also contributing to a thriving garden ecosystem.
Fungus Gnat Predator
Preys on: Fungus gnat larvae and other small insects.
Attracted by: Moist soil and decaying plant matter.
Benefits to garden: Fungus gnat predators help control fungus gnat populations, preventing damage to your plants’ roots and improving overall plant health.
Beneficial Nematodes
Preys on: Fungus gnat larvae, root-knot nematodes, cutworms, and other soil-dwelling pests.
Attracted by: Moist soil and the presence of their prey.
Benefits to garden: Beneficial nematodes are microscopic organisms that help control various soil-dwelling pests, protecting your plants’ roots and promoting overall garden health.
FAQ
How can I attract beneficial insects to my garden?
You can attract beneficial insects by planting a variety of plants that provide shelter, food, and suitable habitats. Native plants, flowering plants, and plants with small flowers are particularly attractive to many beneficial insects.
Are beneficial insects safe for my garden?
Yes, beneficial insects are safe and do not harm your plants. They actually help maintain a healthy garden ecosystem by preying on harmful pests and providing pollination services.
Can I buy beneficial insects to release in my garden?
Yes, you can purchase beneficial insects such as ladybugs, praying mantises, and beneficial nematodes from garden centers or online retailers. However, it’s essential to research and ensure you’re introducing the right species for your specific garden needs.
How can I maintain a balance between pests and beneficial insects in my garden?
Promoting biodiversity in your garden, avoiding chemical pesticides, and providing suitable habitats for beneficial insects will help maintain a balanced ecosystem. Regular monitoring and manual removal of harmful pests can also help keep them in check.
Will beneficial insects harm beneficial pollinators, like bees?
Most beneficial insects do not harm pollinators like bees. However, it’s essential to maintain a diverse garden ecosystem to support both pollinators and beneficial insects.