Insects are the ultimate overachievers; they are basically everywhere. They are the most successful animals on earth, boasting unparalleled numbers, species diversity and adaptability across vast habitats. Not to mention, they thrive in nearly every environment, from scorching deserts to frozen tundras and from mountain tops to ocean depths.
Unfortunately, most humans consider them as pests without realizing that many of these insects are actually beneficial and don’t harm crops. Rather they provide several benefits to crops, gardens, humans, other organisms, and the environment. They are also known as beneficial insects. Let’s give you an overview of these useful insects.
Types of Useful Insects
Useful insects fall into three main groups: pollinators, predators, and decomposers. Let’s break them down for better understanding.
Pollinators
Pollinators are insects that visit flowers in search of nectar or pollen, helping to transfer it from one plant to another. This process allows the plants to reproduce and produce seeds, fruits, and vegetables. They basically facilitate the reproduction process. These insects are crucial for the health of many flower and plant species, as well as the environment.
Examples of pollinators include bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds.
Predators
Predators are insects that feed on other insects or animals, such as whiteflies, caterpillars, and aphids, which can cause harm to your plants or garden. These predators are also known as pest patrollers. They help regulate pest populations and reduce or prevent the damage caused by these pests.
Examples of predators are: the praying mantis, lacewings, ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and many more.
Decomposers
Decomposers are insects that break down organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler compounds. They help recycle nutrients, improve soil structure and drainage, releasing nutrients that plants can use, reducing the need for fertilizers and promoting a healthy garden.
Examples of decomposers are: ground beetles, earthworms and a lot more
Best Insect for Your Garden
Here is a list of Beneficial Insects that can help protect and serve your garden. They are: ladybugs, dragonflies, damsel bugs, minute pirate bugs, big-eyed bugs, spined soldier bugs, aphid midges, syrphid flies, stink bugs, fireflies, earthworms, robber flies, tachinid flies, parasite wasps, bees, lacewings, butterflies, praying mantis and many more.
Each of these useful insects falls under one of the three different types of useful insects listed above.
How to Attract Useful Insects to Your Garden
There are several methods used in attracting insects that are beneficial to your garden. They include:
- Plantation: Plant a variety of flowers, herbs, and vegetables that attract beneficial insects.
- Nectar Flower: Plant flowers with nectar, like Zinnias, Marigolds, and Sunflowers. Flowers like these beautify your garden and as well attract beneficial insects.
- Pesticide: Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides, as these can eradicate valuable insects in your garden.
- Healthy soil: Maintain healthy soil that can accommodate beneficial insects. Use organic amendments and soil compost to promote healthy soil.
- Habitat: Leave some areas of your garden unkept, allowing useful insects to breed, such as in insect hotels and brush piles.
- Water: Provide an adequate source of water for your garden, which can be a birdbath or shallow dish.
- Repellent plants: Make sure to include plants that repel pests, such as basil or mint.
- Physical barrier: Use covers or other obstacles, such as rocks or wood, to provide warmth for the insects and also to protect them from pests.
- Garden Inspection: Monitor your garden to identify and address issues that can affect beneficial insects and determine what conditions make them thrive. Make sure to keep a journal to record all observations during every inspection.
Benefits of Attracting Useful Insects
There are many benefits to attracting beneficial insects, but these three prove to be the most Important. They are:
- Environmentally Friendly: Attracting insects is an environmentally friendly approach to gardening, which reduces the need for chemical pesticides and promotes a balanced ecosystem.
- Cost-effective: Promoting beneficial insects can be an affordable way to improve crop health and manage pests.
- Good Ecosystem: Useful Insects can provide essential ecosystem services, such as pollination and pest control, which can benefit your garden.
Attracting beneficial insects to your garden is a great move, as it supports a healthy ecosystem within your garden. Not only that, but you will also get healthier plants and more pollination. So give it a try and see the difference for yourself.