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Beneficial Bugs

Jr. Batty

honeybee

honeybee

praying mantids

praying mantids

lady bug

lady bug

It’s not unusual to hear of pesky mosquitoes, giant roaches and stinging fire ants. These are some of the insects that are questionable as to there “good purposes on Earth.” On the other hand, we do have some insects that are considered good bugs. These good bugs compete against some of the bad bugs. The good bugs limit the numbers of bad bugs, provide food for us by pollination and honey and allow less use of pesticide.

Some beneficial bugs could include:

  • Honey bees- produce an excellent nutrition source of protein. Extremely important in pollination for orchards and backyard plants. Honey bees are golden brown and black as compared to a similar looking insect, the yellow jacket that is yellow.
  • Lady bugs- these brightly colored beetles love to snack on whiteflies, thrips and aphids. If you see these black spotted on orange insects, or the yellow black larva just allow them to fill up on these foliage pests.
  • Praying Mantids- these are long slender insects that resemble some pre-historic dinosaur, on a much smaller scale. They enjoy a large variety of insects and seem to be praying as they wait for dinner to arrive.
  • Assassin bugs- These bugs are from a large group of true bugs. They feed by stabbing the prey and can inflict pain on people. A common variety in our area has red legs and white on the wings.
  • Bumble bees- This bee is as beneficial as the honey bee as a pollinator. It’s often confused with the carpenter bee. Bumble bees have a yellow fuzzy, abdomen (large rear end). Carpenter bees usually have smooth, shiny and all black abdomen.

There are many more beneficial bugs and other insect information here. Keep in mind when it comes to your lawn and garden, “it’s a bug eat bug world” and that’s a good thing!

3/27/2009 8:50:50 PM
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