Many organisms are misunderstood and undervalued. Most of us would swat away flying insects and bugs without a second thought. Or we might even pull weeds that we think are affecting the growth of other desirable plants. These organisms are often thought of as pests, but they can be beneficial to us and the environment.
A lot of the weeds that grow on our lawn and backyard can actually be consumed. Some of them can help heal sore throats too. Not only can they be delicious, but they also contain vitamins and minerals.
Some weeds have antiseptic properties. The plantain sprout can relieve the pain and itch that come with bug bites. Queen Anne’s Lace is often considered a weed. It's also called wild carrot and bird's nest. This weed has antibacterial properties, so it is often used in tinctures. Queen Anne’s Lace has many other uses. It can be battered and fried for a delicious snack. Or it can be used in soups and teas.
Microbes are thought of as being responsible for causing diseases in plants. But some microbes have a special relationship with plants. They can help the plant grow and manage some of the pests that could harm the plant.
Spiders are often villainized. They're depicted as creepy organisms that occupy corners of deserted and haunted places. Just because they're predators, it doesn't mean they can't be beneficial. For many gardeners, spiders are best friends! Spiders love to eat pests like beetles that would otherwise destroy beautiful foliage.
The assassin bug is also known as the wheel bug. With a scary name like that, it's not a surprise that it kills with a deadly toxin. Its bite can be pretty painful for humans, but this vicious-looking bug can help us with pests! It likes to eat bed bugs and flies.
We often think of parasites as undesirable organisms. These organisms find a host and parasitize them. But these parasites can be beneficial too. For example, they can lay their eggs in a host, which is usually a bug we don't want. When the eggs hatch, the larvae will feed on the host or its eggs. The parasitic wasp does a good job of this. This kind of wasp is very small, and it doesn’t sting. The parasitic wasp destroys the eggs of bugs and insects that would eat or destroy our crops.
Inchworms are gluttons, and if you don't keep their population under control, you'll find that they'll gobble up all your leaves, flower buds, and much more. It’s a good thing birds and ground beetles love inchworms. Some people will set up a birdbath to provide a water source for birds, and this could lead to more birds visiting. The birdbath can help out these thirsty insects and bugs too.
Now that we know these predatory bugs can actually help with pest control, how can we invite them to our gardens? There are many things we can do to create an optimal environment for them. First, don't disturb the soil in order to protect insects and their eggs. These predatory bugs love lavender, dill, thyme, and many other herbs. By growing these herbs, these bugs will visit more frequently.
You can also try intercropping. Intercropping involves placing plants that attract predatory bugs near the ones that need to be protected, like vegetables. It's a good idea to put the plants close together in a place that is moist and shaded for bugs that dehydrate easily. Mulches can be created to attract predatory beetles and to keep the soil moist.
Next time you see someone trying to get rid of these predatory bugs, don't just be a bystander! Share your knowledge about these helpful bugs. We need them for a healthy environment.