But what about the good insects?

Not all creepy-crawly pests are pests! Many insects besides bees are actually a vital piece of the Maryland ecosystem.

8/5/20231 min read

Beneficial insects play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by providing natural pest control, pollination, and decomposition services. These insects are garden allies, helping to keep harmful pests in check and promoting the health of plants. Here are 8 examples of beneficial insects:

  1. Ladybugs (Lady Beetles): Ladybugs are voracious predators of aphids, mites, and other soft-bodied insects that feed on plants. A single ladybug can consume dozens of pests each day.

  2. Lacewings: Lacewings are known as aphid lions because their larvae feed on aphids, mites, and small caterpillars. They are excellent predators in the garden.

  3. Praying Mantises: Praying mantises are predatory insects that eat a wide range of pests, including flies, grasshoppers, crickets, and moths.

  4. Hoverflies: Adult hoverflies feed on nectar and pollen, making them important pollinators. Their larvae, called aphidophagous larvae, consume large numbers of aphids.

  5. Parasitic Wasps: Various species of parasitic wasps lay their eggs on or inside other insects. The wasp larvae then consume their host, which may include caterpillars, aphids, or other pests.

  6. Ground Beetles: Ground beetles are nocturnal predators that feed on slugs, snails, caterpillars, and other insects that emerge at night.

  7. Bees: Bees are essential pollinators that help plants produce fruits and seeds. Native bees, bumblebees, and honeybees are all valuable for pollination.

  8. Dragonflies and Damselflies: These flying insects are beneficial predators, consuming a variety of flying insects, including mosquitoes and gnats.

It's essential to create a garden environment that supports the presence of beneficial insects. Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides that can harm beneficial insects along with pests. Instead, encourage biodiversity by planting a diverse range of flowers and native plants to attract beneficial insects. Providing shelter, water sources, and avoiding over-cleaning of garden debris can also create a welcoming habitat for these helpful garden allies.