There are gardeners who think that every insect they see is a pest and needs to be destroyed as quicklyas possible, when in reality there are some insects that actually help your garden.
They catch and eat any number of their harmful cousins.
To know which ones arebeneficial will help you decide which insects to eliminate and which ones to welcome.
It is important to realize that there will always be some harmful insects in your garden, the key is to keep them under control.
Three insects that can help you to do this are praying mantis, ladybugs and lacewings.
They are ferocious hunters and most beneficial to have around.
Lacewing larvae can eat up to 60 aphids in an hour.
They also eat whiteflies, mites, the eggs of caterpillars and a variety of other small pests.
Ladybugs and their larvea consume up to 40 aphids per hour.
They also devour spider mites, beetle grubs, whiteflies and other soft bodied insects.
Praying mantis are fierce predators that will eat a wide variety of pests.
These beneficial insects can be bought from nurseries and garden supply stores for a few dollars.
It is best to release them in the evening because daylight encourages flight.
Be aware that without access to prey, water and shelter they willfly away.
It is necessary to provide the right environment bygrowing many kinds of plants in your garden.
In return these 'good' insects will help your garden to stay healthy and reduce the need to use chemical pesticides.