Before reaching for the pesticide spray, it's worth knowing whether the insect you've spotted is actually helping or hurting your garden. Roughly 97% of all insect species are either beneficial or completely neutral — genuine pests are the exception, not the rule.
Beneficial Insects (Your Allies)
Ladybugs (Coccinellidae) — Each ladybug can consume up to 5,000 aphids in a lifetime. Recognizable by their red-and-black spotted shells. Encourage them by planting dill, fennel, and yarrow. Use our Insect Identifier to confirm you have ladybugs and not their look-alike pests.
Ground Beetles (Carabidae) — Nocturnal hunters that prey on slugs, caterpillars, and soil-dwelling pests. Dark, shiny, fast-moving. Provide habitat with a layer of mulch or stone.
Common Pest Insects
Aphids — Tiny soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and undersides of leaves. Sticky honeydew residue is a telltale sign. Control with a strong blast of water or introduce ladybugs.
Use our free Insect Identifier to quickly determine whether that mystery bug is a friend or foe before taking action.
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