Got a garden?
You need these bugs!
Not all insects are pests. Some help your garden thrive. Discover the 7 insects you definitely want around.
Your garden will thank you!
Ready to meet your new tiny friends?
1. Ladybugs
Ladybugs are like tiny cleaning machines for your garden. They munch on aphids, mites, and other pests that harm your plants.
If you see these red and black beauties, rejoice! They’re helping your garden stay healthy.
To attract more ladybugs, plant daisies, marigolds, and yarrow. Trust me, your plants will thank you!
2. Bees
Bees are super important for pollinating flowers, fruits, and veggies. Without them, your garden wouldn’t look nearly as vibrant.
Plant bee-friendly flowers like lavender, marigolds, and sunflowers to invite these buzzing helpers. Plus, watching them work is pretty mesmerizing!
3. Butterflies
Not only are butterflies beautiful, but they’re also great pollinators. They help spread pollen from flower to flower, ensuring your garden blooms all season long.
To attract these fluttery friends, plant nectar-rich flowers like zinnias, lantanas, and milkweed. Your garden will look like a fairy tale!
4. Ground Beetles
These nocturnal hunters feast on slugs, snails, and other pests that love to nibble on your plants. Ground beetles live in the soil and help keep the pest population in check.
To invite them, make sure your garden has plenty of mulch and leaf litter. They’ll do the rest!
5. Spiders
Okay, spiders might look a bit creepy, but they’re warriors against garden pests. They eat flies, mosquitoes, and other bugs that harm your plants.
A diverse garden with plenty of plants will give spiders a good home. So, don’t squash these little helpers!
6. Hoverflies
Hoverflies are great pollinators and their larvae love munching on aphids. These little flies look a bit like wasps but don’t worry—they’re harmless!
To attract hoverflies, plant dill, fennel, and parsley. They’ll do wonders for keeping your garden pest-free.
7. Dragonflies
Dragonflies are fierce predators when it comes to pests like mosquitoes. Having a water feature, like a pond or birdbath, can attract these stunning insects to your garden.
They’ll help keep the mosquito population down while adding a touch of beauty to your space.
How to Attract Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden
Start by planting a variety of flowers, herbs, and native plants that bloom at different times of the year; this creates a buffet of pollen and nectar that beneficial insects can’t resist.
Think marigolds, dill, and lavender. Also, avoid using chemical pesticides, which can harm these helpful critters.
Instead, go for natural pest control methods like neem oil or introducing more bug-friendly companions.
Providing a water source, such as a shallow dish with pebbles, can also invite your new garden allies in for a drink.
Happy bug hunting!