Bugs and Your Lawn: Which Ones Are the Good Guys?

Although you may have an instinctive reaction to swat away or kill any tiny creatures that are flying or crawling around your landscape, it is not always in your best interest to do so. It is true that some insects can cause damage to your garden, grass or plants, but not all bugs are bad. In fact, there are a few creatures that you should leave alone if you want some help in protecting your landscape. Learning which bugs are beneficial and how to attract them can lead to greener grass and a more successful garden.

Here are examples of some insects that are on your side when it comes to your landscape:

• Ladybugs – Not only are ladybugs pretty to look at, but they also serve as natural pest control for your lawn. Ladybugs eat garden pests such as aphids, and can help you avoid using a pesticide. Attract these guys by planting some marigolds or sage in your yard.
• Earthworms – They are not technically an insect, but they are certainly worth mentioning. Earthworms consume organic matter and waste and convert it into a natural fertilizer for your lawn. Simply take some of your non-meat kitchen scraps and bury them under your mulch to attract earthworms.
• Honey Bees – If you can live with the buzzing and your kids aren’t too frightened, honey bees also offer a huge benefit to your landscape. Bees pollinate your flowering plants so that they can produce fruits, vegetables and seeds. If you want more bees in your lawn, choose a variety of local flowers to plant.
• Ground Beetles – One of your strongest natural weapons against pests are ground beetles. They eat everything from slugs to “bad” beetles. Give ground beetles a layer of mulch and they are likely to invite themselves in and start protecting your greenery.

While it is true that many lawns need proper fertilizers and pesticides to look their best, it is worth letting Mother Nature run her course and help out in some cases. Learning which bugs are good and which ones are bad for landscape can make a big difference in how your yard looks and grows. Trust a professional from Pannone’s Lawn Pros & Landscaping to better understand your landscaping needs.