What is the difference between insects and garden pests? The truth is that they are actually one in the same.  Pests are considered to be harmful to plants or structures; most insects are not pests. The insects that spread diseases and feed on your plants are harmful and the others that destroy structures such as termites are costly. There are many healthy pests for your garden; this spring, get try welcoming these little critters rather than spraying to keep them at bay.

Keep in mind that you do not have to use pesticides or any chemicals if you see these in your garden. They are so plant friendly that they are easily purchased at your local plant nursery. Find out how you can get these healthy pests for your garden this spring.

We’ve compiled a list of plant loving insects below. If you have any further questions about the best pests for your garden be sure to consult one of our experienced pest control experts in Pompano Beach. 

Lady Bugs

These bugs are one of the best biological pest control out there. It is their larvae that is the most effective, they are active between May and June. They consume aphids, mites, scale insects and small caterpillars. They can consume up to 5000 insects in their lifetime. A box of these bad boys can keep your garden insect free and is comparatively more cost effective than most chemical pesticides.

Hoverflies

The larvae of many of the hoverfly species feed on greenfly, fruit tree spider mites and small caterpillars. These pests can consume nearly fifty bugs in a day or over a thousand in their lifetime. The adults feed on nectar and pollen. These insects are found on stagnant water. They prey on aphids and other plant pests.

Dragonflies

Dragonflies are the foremost predators of mosquitoes, they prey even on the mosquitoes in water. One species of dragonflies feeds on the mosquito larvae while the adult dragonflies feed on the mosquitoes in the air. Certain pesticides destroy both the dragonflies as well the mosquitoes. Killing dragonflies destroys an important biocontrol agent.

Bees

Spring is the time these buzzing friends come out in armies. They are responsible for your beautiful flowers and fruits. They help in pollination and are also the biggest producers of honey. While destroying them would not helpful, stay away from them or you will get stung!

Spiders

While the jury is still out on this ‘healthy pest’, spiders are known to be helpful in preying on pests that are harmful for your garden. Spiders feed on larvae or pupae to adults. So any stage of the insect’s life can be in danger with spiders around. Pesticides are fatal for these helper pests as well as their food.  Spiders do not breed in multitude like other species so destroying them can cause an imbalance in the biological control world.

Ants

These insects kill all harmful soil-dwelling pests. They are useful in biological control of insects in the soil and above the soil at all stages of the pests life. Compared to chemical pesticides ants are an effective and natural way to control pests and keep your garden healthy. They are present at all times of the year and are known to prey on more than 200 harmful insects.

Green Lacewings
These bugs are the most commonly used biological pest control. The adults in many of the species do not prey on insects but feed on nectar, pollen etc. The larvae of the lacewings are the ones that do all the ‘pest control’. They have tiny ice tong shaped pincers with which they grab their prey and inject them with a paralysing venom. They feed on soft bodied insects such as citrus mealybugs, cottony cushion scale, spider mites, thrips, caterpillars, insect eggs, etc. They have tremendous appetite and can devour up to 200 insects in a week.

Damsel Bugs
This is another healthy pest that you must attract in your garden. They feed on aphids, small caterpillars, leafhoppers, thrips, beetle larvae, insect eggs by piercing with their beaks and suck juices from their bodies. To attract these insects having plants that produce pollen and nectar will help. Herbs such as dill, lavender, coriander and chamomile are beneficial to have around these insects.

Protecting These Pests
Like all insects, even healthy insects are susceptible to pesticides and chemicals. Most of the insecticides that are sold for your garden cover a broad spectrum. While choosing an insecticide ensure that it is less toxic and spray it only on affected areas of the plant. Keep your plants healthier naturally with healthy insects to not only protect your family and produce a healthier garden but to also save money. Ask one of our pest control experts in Pompano Beach for more information.