Not All Garden Bugs Are Bad—Here’s a Guide to the Insects That Actually Benefit Your Plants

Not all bugs are bad. In fact, some can benefit your garden. So don’t be so quick to try to get rid of every insect you see crawling on your plants. Some are not pests. Many are actually hardworking allies, playing crucial roles in pollination and pest control. Welcoming the right insects into your garden can boost your blooms and create a balanced ecosystem. As Andrew Bunting, vice president of horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, points out, some insects are essential to the success of native gardens; they should be protected, not removed. Here are seven of the most beneficial insects for your garden.

Argiope Orb Weaver Spiders

Though technically not insects, spiders are vital to a garden’s ecosystem. Known for their circular webs and bold yellow-and-black bodies, Argiope spiders catch flies, grasshoppers, and other flying pests that can ruin any gardening experience. They don’t harm people and rarely leave their webs. These spiders thrive in undisturbed corners of your garden, especially near tall grasses and perennial flowers. Leave their expansive webs intact and enjoy the eco-friendly pest population.

Bumblebees

There are nearly 50 species of bumblebees in the United States and over 250 worldwide. These pollinators seem like a threat, but they’re vital to the health of garden ecosystems. “Bumblebees are attracted to a myriad of plants,” says Andrew Bunting. “Many plants are food sources, and they are key to pollinating many others.” Their ability to buzz pollinate (a technique where they vibrate their bodies to release pollen from flowers) makes them especially important for crops like tomatoes, peppers, and blueberries. To attract bumblebees, gardeners can plant native flowering plants that bloom from spring to fall. Avoid using pesticides that can harm their colonies.

Ladybirds (Ladybugs)

Ladybirds, commonly known as ladybugs, are one of nature’s most recognizable insects. They’re often welcome in gardens simply because they’re cute, but they’re also beneficial. The adults are charming to look at, but their larvae are what make all the difference. A single ladybug larva can consume hundreds of aphids during its development. These small beetles also feed on scale insects and mites, which are notorious for damaging roses and fruit trees. To attract ladybirds, grow plants like dill, fennel, and marigold.

Butterflies: Monarch and Swallowtail

Butterflies aren’t just easy on the eyes. Their presence also indicates a healthy ecosystem. Monarchs rely on native milkweed plants, such as Asclepias syriacus, Asclepias verticillata, and the iconic butterfly milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa, for food and reproduction. “In the larval stage, monarchs feed on the leaves of Asclepias, and as adults they feed on the nectar,” Bunting explains. By planting native milkweed, greenthumbs can support this species and preserve the monarchs’ migratory marvel.

Bunting adds that swallowtails are “attracted to nectar-rich flowers such as the bottlebrush buckeye (Aesculus parviflora), garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), and native milkweeds.” Their caterpillars feed on herb plants like dill, parsley, and fennel. Offering nectar and larval host plants ensures elegant butterflies will return to your garden plot.

Praying Mantises

The praying mantis is a tough predator in the garden. With grasping forearms and quick reflexes, a mantis will eat anything it can catch, sometimes even other beneficial bugs. Even with a few mistakes along the way, their presence is usually a net positive in most home gardens. In the fall, mantises lay eggs that hatch in spring. To keep praying mantises around, avoid overly manicuring your garden and provide a variety of low shrubs and tall grasses.

Hoverflies

Oft-mistaken for bees due to their similar black and yellow stripes, hoverflies are harmless and incredibly helpful. “There are over 800 species of hoverflies in the U.S.,” says Bunting. “Hovering above the plants, they are particularly attracted to flat-topped plants like yarrow (Achillea) and mountainmint (Pycynanthemum).” Adult hoverflies feed on nectar and pollen, making them important pollinators, while their larvae eat other garden pests, like aphids.

Ground Beetles

Ground beetles are nocturnal hunters who patrol the soil surface, hunting for soft-bodied insects like slugs, caterpillars, and cutworms. They don’t harm your plants—instead, they consume the insects that threaten your plants. With over 2,000 species in North America, these shiny black or metallic beetles are unsung garden guardians. To encourage them, maintain light mulch at the base of your plants and avoid tilling the soil too frequently.