You might not notice these insect allies at first, but their presence is a sign of nature doing pest management for you. When you understand the role of these powerful beneficial predators, you’ll start looking before squashing every bug beneath your shoe.

Lacewings

Lacewings are a secret weapon against many soft-bodied crop competitors we call pests. These delicate insects may look harmless, but their larvae are voracious predators, eagerly consuming those that would wreak havoc on garden plants.

Lacewing larvae are particularly effective in controlling aphid populations, but they don’t stop there. They also feast on mites, mealybugs, caterpillars, and many others. They are a reliable garden buddy and keep a wide array of potential threats in check. With lacewings on patrol, you’ll notice a significant decrease in the pests that used to nibble away at your precious plants.

Minute Pirate Bugs

These tiny titans of pest control are small but mighty, so don’t let their size fool you; minute pirate bugs punch well above their weight in the garden defense league. Minute pirate bugs target thrips, spider mites, and whiteflies, among other pests. Their small stature allows them to navigate the intricate architecture of various plants, seeking out and eradicating pests hiding within. Natural pest control helps prevent the spread of plant diseases that weaken and kill your plants,  not to mention your harvest!

Assassin Bugs

These silent pest eliminators are the stealthy operatives of your garden’s defense system. They employ a “wait and pounce” tactic to capture a variety of insects. True to their name, assassin bugs are formidable foes to beetles, caterpillars, and flies, to name a few. Their sharp beaks pierce their prey, and inject a substance that liquefies the insides of pests, which are then sucked out. While a bit graphic in description, don’t worry–you’ll barely notice these ninjas stealthily moving about. Introducing assassin bugs to your garden means enlisting a powerful force capable of decimating pest populations that would otherwise damage your prized harvests.

(Image below is an assassin bug in the nymph stage)

Creating a garden that attracts these generalist predators means less work for you and more time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Instead of reaching for chemical pesticides and paying in money and time every year, encouraging these beneficials provides a natural solution to your crop competitors.

Discover how to support beneficial insect populations in your garden so they can do the work for you!

Download the 5 Keys to Inviting Beneficials into Your Garden. This free eGuide shows you how to partner WITH Mother Nature and discover garden friends you never knew you had! 

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