9 Good Bugs for Your Garden and How to Attract Them

Earthworms:

These soil-dwelling creatures create air pockets in the soil, improving aeration and water retention. They also break down organic matter, enriching the soil with nutrients.

Ladybugs:

Known for their aphid-eating prowess, ladybugs also consume other garden pests like mealybugs and mites. Planting flowers like marigolds and parsley can attract them to your garden.

Praying Mantises:

Effective predators of aphids, caterpillars, and mosquitoes, praying mantises are best introduced to gardens with significant pest problems. Hang their egg cases in shady spots near pest populations for best results.

Green Lacewings:

These insects and their larvae prey on a variety of pests, including aphids, caterpillars, and mites. Avoiding pesticides and planting pollinator-friendly flowers can naturally attract them to your garden.

Ground Beetles:

Nocturnal predators, ground beetles feed on pests like slugs, caterpillars, and weevils. Mulching and providing shelter in perennial plants can encourage their presence.

Soldier Beetles:

These pollinators also consume pest eggs, caterpillars, and aphids. Planting flowers with compound blossoms and yellow or orange blossoms can attract them to your garden.

Assassin Bugs:

Effective predators with distinctive mouthparts, assassin bugs prey on aphids, caterpillars, and leafhoppers. They inhabit bushy plants and weed-filled areas during summer.

Bees:

Vital pollinators for many plants, bees thrive on native flowering plants and benefit from less frequent lawn mowing. Providing water sources and protecting their nesting sites can support their presence in your garden.

Parasitic Wasps:

Small and non-stinging, parasitic wasps lay their eggs inside pest insects like aphids and caterpillars. Flowering plants attract them, as they feed on pollen and nectar while controlling pest populations.