Finding insects in your garden may cause you to feel concern; however, you could be surprised to discover that many indoor pests can be beneficial insects outside. While some insects, such as ants and spiders, should be included in your home pest control plan, they can actually serve as a natural helpers in your garden. Here, are several of the most common New England pests that you might find beneficial for your outdoor garden this season.
Beetles
According to the University of Rhode Island, beetles could be one of the most common types of predator insects found in New England gardens. There are two main types of beetles that you will want to cultivate in your outdoor area. These are the ground and rove beetles. Both of these beetles feed on soft-bodied insects that could be detrimental to your plants.
Spiders
Spiders may not officially be insects, but they can still offer many benefits to your garden. Spiders are well-known for their predatory tendencies that lead them to build webs that can capture prey. When left in your garden, spiders can serve as a natural pest control method that can keep populations of many pests at bay.
Wasps
Although many people fear wasps due to their painful stings, it is important to know that there are many non-aggressive species of wasps that can actually be beneficial in your garden. Look for Scoliid wasps which are blue-black and have dark purple wings. These lay eggs inside of soft-bodied insects and do not sting humans. These wasps can be an excellent way to control grub and caterpillar populations.
Ants
Ants are another predatory insect that will feed on many different soft-bodied pests in the garden. Yet, they also serve an important function by breaking up and aerating the soil. While ants can have many benefits, it is still important to keep a close watch because too many ants can dry up the soil.
While many of these predators can help to keep pests at bay, it is important to keep in mind that they are also sensitive to pesticides. By being able to identify natural garden helpers, you will be able to work with nature to keep your garden in optimum condition.