Get Personal With Pest Control Bugs "Get to know some of the best pest control bugs and common household bugs of the garden" Bugs, bugs, bugs, they annoy us, eat our beloved plants, bite, sting, buzz and get in our faces. In general, they are a nuisance we could live without aren't they? We find particular delight in killing as many of the little "buggers" as we can and feel the better for it, as if we dutifully did our part to rid the world of one more pest that we can live without. As a race of beings, we have built multi-billion dollar industries around their destruction without ever asking - "whats that bug?" Is it good for anything other than to be an annoyance? And for thousands of years we have sought new and deadlier ways to seek the destruction of every bugs species. After all, they're all leaf bugs looking to destroy everything we hold dear. So loathed are these creatures that we have villainized them on screen and in books. Indeed, many bugs have created havoc, discomfort, illness and hardship upon humanity, which has led to much misunderstanding, embellishment and general stretching of or ignoring the truth, without ever asking - "whats that bug?". It would be a falsehood to deny the fact that many members of this vast form of life collectively known as "insects", has not been the source of much loss, aggravation, discomfort and even inadvertent death among humans. Especially as we watch our plants being devoured by the bugs species. But it is equally false to "label" all of them as bad and objects to be loathed and destroyed. In fact, while somewhat broad, it could be easily argued that mankind owes its very existence to "bugs". Without them, we would have little or no food for ourselves and the entire chain of life upon this planet would come to a screeching halt very quickly. Bugs eat and are eaten by pest control bugs in order to form a most complex and valuable link between life and death for all of the higher forms of life upon this planet. It is the bugs species that pollinate the vast majority of crops we eat and among their many responsibilities, also provide a natural policing and regulating force to bridge between destruction and success of the plants we wish to incorporate into our lives through pest control bugs. You might say that, just like the human race, bugs have their good guys and not so good guys. I guess you could call them the good, the bad and the ugly of the bug world. As figure #1 - Box Elder Assassin Bug 
| figure #2 - Wheel bug 
| figure #3 - Wheel bug nymphs 
| figure #4 - Boxelder Bug Adult 
| A closer look at the photos of the Milkweed Assassin Bug and the Box Elder Bug shows how the two can be easily confused unless one takes the time to examine the two closer. Both, the Milkweed Assassin Bug and Wheel Bug have the common name of "Assassin Bug" and prey upon other insects. |
humans, it is presupposed to be our distinction to have a "higher intelligence", yet it is us humans who also have the distinction of lumping all common household bugs into the category of bad. And nothing could be further from the truth. To compound this problem further, just like humans, many bugs both good and bad look amazingly similar to other bugs and are easily confused unless you take the time to take a closer look, especially in the immature stages. A quick, or passing glance, will often lead to misidentification of pest control bugs, resulting in potential havoc on our surroundings by granting "free passes" for many potentially devastating insects that may be leaf bugs to destroy your plants. Just this scenario occurred recently when the writer failed to take the few extra seconds it would have taken, to properly identify a large group of immature "milkweed assassin bugs" (figure #1) on several butterfly weed plants. So in a hurry and intent was he on protecting the plants for the monarch butterflies, the beautiful orange blooms and decorative pods, that he misidentified the little buggers as box elder bugs (figure #4) (known to many as maple bugs). How many other pest control bugs have met a similar fate? How many leaf bugs or otherwise bad bugs have gotten a free pass? This problem has been exacerbated further by judging common household bugs in the garden by their looks, folklore, superstition and lack of knowledge. All to often, a particular bugs species may be labeled as "bad" simply because it looks strange, menacing or smells really bad. After all, anything that looks so "evil" or smells so incredibly bad, just has to be bad doesn't it? With bugs being so much a part of our everyday lives for so many years, how then has it become so easy for us to develop such a deep-rooted "yuck-factor" toward them as a whole? Perhaps the world will never know, and developing a tolerance for common household bugs of the garden in general won't occur overnight. But perhaps we can develop within ourselves at least a modicum of tolerance. At least for the ones we know are benefitting us as pest control bugs. But this tolerance can't begin without knowing which ones to be tolerant towards, so let's get familiar with at least a few of them. Before we begin, let me make it perfectly clear that this or any article can barely scratch the surface of even beneficial pest control bugs, let alone those of a destructive or invasive nature. And even within a particular known bugs species, there will often be both good guys and bad guys and different species within the same family found in different areas will look vastly different. Add to this, the many colloquial names applied to members of the same species of common household bugs, and you have the makings for the science that is behind entomology. What we have attempted to do here is to provide a broad cross-section of some of the most commonly found species and some of their species differences in the hope that the reader may find an interest and investigate (or at least question) further. With some patience, tolerance and understanding, perhaps a few more folks will ask "whats that bug?" before they grab a bottle of insecticide. Some of the most common pest control bugs: Praying Mantis Order: MantodeaSuborder:
Superfamily: Families : Chaeteessidae
Metallyticidae
Mantoididae
Amorphoscelididae
Eremiaphilidae
Hymenopodidae
Liturgusidae
Mantidae
Empusidae | Contains - approximately 2,200 species in 9 families. Distribution - worldwide Primary Diet - Just about anything that it can get in its mouth including, mosquitoes, nocturnal moths, bees, beetles, small lizards, small frogs and even other mantises. | Size - Up to 4 inches long for some species. Preferred Habitat - Depends on species. Primary Predatory Stage - all stages | Special Notes - Some species camouflage themselves to look like sticks or leaves. The female of most species eats the male after mating. | 
Mantis egg case. |  Mantis nymph impersonating an ant as a defense mechanism. |  Common Mantis. |  Brown Mantis. |  Leaf Mantis. Can you spot the "bugger"? | Praying Mantis are "stick insects", but not to be confused with the "walking stick" insect, which is a herbivore pest. However, walking sticks are considered excellent pests. But, if you decide to keep a walking stick that is not native to your area as a pet, never allow it to escape into the wild. Many non-native walking sticks are now invasive insects that are creating grave problems in some areas. | | Back To Top | Ground Beetle Order: Coleoptera Suborder: Adephaga
Superfamily: Caraboidea Families: Carabidae | Contains - more than 40,000 species worldwide, approximately 2,000 of which are found in North America and 2,700 in Europe. Distribution - worldwide Primary Diet - slugs, snails, cutworms, and root maggots. Tent caterpillars and gypsy moths among tree branches for some species. | Size - 6 - 24 mm (dependent on species) Preferred Habitat - under logs, stones, and boards (places cool, dark and damp) Primary Predatory Stage - both the adult and larvae are predators. | Special Notes - primarily a nocturnal feeder. Most have some form of mandibles, some of which can inflict a painful pinch. Many emit a foul odor if threatened. It lays its eggs in the ground, so limit soil disturbance. Provide permanent perennial beds and mulched pathways. | 
Common Ground Beetle (in the Midwestern United States) | 
| | | Green or Brown Lacewing Order: Neuroptera Suborder: Hemerobiiformia
Superfamily: Osmyloidea Families: Chrysopidae | Contains - Distribution - worldwide Primary Diet - soft-bodied garden pests, including many of the aphids, thrips, red mites, small caterpillars, and mealybugs. In some species the adults feed only on nectar and aphid honeydew. | Size - 10 - 20 mm Preferred Habitat - Provide pollen and nectar sources, particularly goldenrod, coreopsis, Queen Anne's lace, dill, sunflowers, dandelions and other flowers. Primary Predatory Stage - both the adult and larvae | Special Notes - The larva is like a small, dappled grey-brown alligator with pincers on its head. The female lacewing lays her eggs individually on separate long, silky stalks. This keeps the voracious larvae from devouring their siblings. | 
Lacewing eggs. Note the long filament stalks to prevent the newly hatched nymphs from eating their siblings. | 
Lacewing Nymph. | 
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Green lacewing. | 
Green Lacewing. | A brown species is also prevalent in some areas. It looks much the same, except it is a tan to light brown color. | | | | Back To Top | Spined Soldier Bug, Shield Bug, Stink Bug, Assassin Bug, Wheel Bug Order: Hemiptera Suborder: Pentatomidae
Superfamily: Podisus Families: Species: P. maculiventris | Contains - about 7000 species altogether, making it one of the largest families in the Hemiptera. Distribution - common in North America. Primary Diet - gypsy moth caterpillars and the larvae of beetles such as the Colorado potato beetle and the Mexican bean beetle, hornworms, cabbage loopers, and cabbage worms, tent caterpillars, aphids and cucumber beetles. Especially effective at controlling the "Green Stinkbug", which is a pest. | Size - 10 - 12 mm Preferred Habitat - pollen sources, particularly goldenrod or milkweed species. Minimize soil disturbance and provide permanent perennial beds to protect overwintering larvae and pupating beetles. Allow leaf litter to remain on some of your planting beds as a winter refuge for adults. Primary Predatory Stage - both the adult and nymphs | Special Notes - Avoid the use of pesticides. (Research has shown that the spined soldier bug is more susceptible than its prey to certain pesticides.) The spined soldier bug has a thickened beak kept folded under its body when not feeding. When hunting, it extends the beak forward and uses it to impale its victims, inject them with a paralyzing substance, and suck out their juices. | 
Stink Bug nymph 1. | 
Stink Bug nymph 2. | 
Stink Bug nymph 3. | 
Stink Bug nymph 4. | 
Stink Bug 1. (Spined Soldier Bug) | 
Stink Bug 2. (Spined Soldier Bug) | 
Stink Bug 3. (Shield Bug) | 
Stink Bug 4 (Shield Bug) | 
Wheel Bug | 
Wheel Bug nymphs and eggs. | 
Milkweed Assassin Bug. | The names "Shield Bug", "Stink Bug" and "Assassin Bug" are often used interchangeably depending on location. The "Wheel Bug" is the only one that is totally unique. All produce a foul odor and belong to the order "Hemiptera". | Ladybug (Ladybird Beetle) Order: Coleoptera Suborder:
Superfamily: Cucujoidea Families: Coccinellidae | Contains - over 5,000 species described, more than 450 native to North America alone. Distribution - worldwide Primary Diet - aphids, scale insects, mites, whiteflies, and other insects. A single adult can eat up to 60 aphids a day, larvae even more. | Size - 1 mm to 10 mm Preferred Habitat - Plant lots of nectar- and pollen-rich plants, such as butterfly weed, goldenrod, and yarrow. Allow a corner of your yard to go "wild" with such plants as Queen Anne's lace. Let herbs, such as fennel, dill, or coriander, flower. Primary Predatory Stage - adult and larval stages, doing most of their feeding while in the larval stage. | Special Notes - some species may be difficult for non-entomologists to recognize as coccinellids and there are many small beetles that are easily mistaken as coccinellids, like tortoise beetles. A few species are pests in North America and Europe, but they are generally considered useful insects. The bright markings on the lady beetle's wing covers serve as a warning to potential predators. If threatened, a lady beetle will squirt a foul-tasting liquid from its joints. | 
Ladybug eggs. (Match head for size comparison) | 
Ladybug nymph (first instar [molt]) | 
Ladybug nymph (second instar) | 
Ladybug nymph (third instar) | 
Seven-Spot Ladybug. | 
Ladybug (black on yellow) | 
Ladybug (black on white) | 
Ladybug (ringed spots) | 
Twice-Stabbed Ladybug | 
Ladybug (unusual pattern) | 
Ladybug (unusual pattern) | 
Ladybugs congregated for winter. | Ladybugs come in a diverse range of colorings including browns, all red, no spots, yellows, orange and black. | | Back To Top | Braconid Wasp (Predatory Wasp)Order: Hymenoptera Suborder: Apocrita
Superfamily: Ichneumonoidea Families: Braconidae | Contains - approximately 12,000 described species (the braconids), and it is extrapolated that between 40,000 and 50,000 species exist worldwide. The species are grouped into about 45 subfamilies and 1,000 genera, Distribution - worldwide Primary Diet - aphids, flies, coddling moths, elm bark beetles, cabbageworms, tomato hornworms, corn borers, armyworms, and other pest insects. The adult braconid drinks nectar and water. | Size - Preferred Habitat - particularly attracted to plants with small flowers, such as dill, fennel, parsley, Queen Anne's lace, clover, and yarrow. Primary Predatory Stage - Adults | Special Notes - can inflict a painful sting if threatened. The female braconid wasp injects her eggs into the body of a caterpillar. The larvae hatch, feed inside the caterpillar's body until they mature, and then eat their way out. If you see caterpillars with attached cocoons, leave them so that the wasps can continue to develop. | 
Braconid Wasp | 
Parasitic Wasp | 
Parasitic Wasp | 
Parasitic Wasp | Bumblebee Order: Hymenoptera Family: Apidae
Subfamily: Apinae
Tribe: Bombini
Genus: Bombus | Contains - over 250 known species, existing primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. Distribution - primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. Primary Diet - | Size - Preferred Habitat - Provide lots of flowering plants of many types. Primary Predatory Stage - Excellent pollinators. Not normally predatory. | Special Notes - Bumblebees are social insects that form colonies called "hives". Primarily black and yellow with some species being almost all black and some species may contain orange or red on their bodies. The worker bees are female and can sting if provoked. | 
Bumblebee | 
Bumblebee feeding. | | | | Back To Top | Beneficial Nematode Kingdom: Animalia Subkingdom: Eumetazoa
(unranked): Bilateria Phylum: Nematoda
Diesing, 1861 Classes: "Adenophorea" (paraphyletic?)
Secernentea | Contains - over 80,000 have been described, of which over 15,000 are parasitic. It has been estimated that the total number of described and undescribed roundworms might be more than 500,000. Distribution - worldwide, including the oceans, arctic and Antarctic regions. Primary Diet - most soft-bodied worms and grub-stage insects. Does not effect earthworms, ladybugs and many other beneficial insect larva. Especially useful against grubs, cutworms and other ground-dwelling larva. | Size - generally to small to easily be seen with the naked eye. Preferred Habitat - Moist soil, especially soils high in organic matter that attracts soft-bodied larva. Primary Predatory Stage - all stages | Special Notes - Beneficial nematodes are a type of "roundworm" and live primarily in the soil. | 
Beneficial Nematode | | | | Tachinid Fly Order: Diptera Suborder: Calyptratae
Superfamily: Oestroidea Families: Tachinidae | Contains - more than 8,200 known species and many more to be discovered. There are over 1300 species in North America. Distribution - worldwide Primary Diet - caterpillars of butterflies and moths, tent caterpillars, gypsy moth larvae, cutworms, adult and larval beetles, sawfly larvae, various types of true bugs and grasshoppers, rarely in centipedes, with usually only one grub. The adult tachinid fly drinks nectar, from a variety of flowering plants throughout the gardening season. | Size - 8 - 14 mm Preferred Habitat - flowering plants including Queen Anne's Lace, goldenrod and most other plants with small flowers. Primary Predatory Stage - larval | Special Notes - members of the family of true flies within the Larvae (maggots) of most members of this family are parasitoids (they develop inside a living host, ultimately killing it), and a few are parasitic (they do not kill the host). insect order Diptera. Resemble ordinary houseflies but prefer the outdoors. Any caterpillar you see with white eggs stuck to its back should be left alone, as the eggs will hatch into more tachinid flies. Some female tachinid flies place their eggs on leaves where caterpillars will eat them. The eggs then hatch within the host caterpillar and devour it from the inside out. | | | | | | 
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| Tachnid Flies from various families. | | Back To Top | Earthworm Order: Haplotaxida Suborder: Lumbricina
Superfamily: Families: | Contains - A total of approximately 182 earthworm taxa in 12 families are reported from America north of Mexico, i.e., USA & Canada, of which 60 (ca. 33%) are exotic/introduced. Only two genera of Lumbricid earthworms are indigenous to North America. Distribution - worldwide, except arctic and Antarctic regions. Primary Diet - decaying vegetative matter.
| Size - 1/2 to over 10 inches Preferred Habitat - soils high in organic matter and near neutral to slightly acidic pH. Primary Predatory Stage - non-predatory | Special Notes - depending on species and extent of damage, some earthworms can regenerate lost or damaged parts. Worm castings (feces) are highly prized as fertilizer and are sold commercially. | | Note: Only two genera of Lumbricid earthworms are indigenous to North America while introduced genera have spread to areas where earthworms did not formerly exist, especially in the north where forest development relies on a large amount of undecayed leaf matter. When worms decompose that leaf layer, the ecology may shift making the habitat unsurvivable for certain species of trees, ferns and wildflowers. Another possible ecologic impact of greater earthworm numbers: larger earthworms (e.g. the night crawler, Lumbricus terrestris, and the Alabama jumper, Amynthas agrestis) can be eaten by adult salamanders, and when the salamanders do consume the earthworms they are more successful at reproduction. However, those earthworms are too large for juvenile salamanders to consume, which leads to a net loss in salamander population. Currently there is no economically feasible method for controlling invasive earthworms in forests. | 
Earthworm eggs | 
Earthworm | 
Earthworm Castings (feces) | | Big-Eyed Bug Order: Hemiptera Family: Lygaeidae
Subfamily: Geocorinae
Genus: Geocoris | Contains - Distribution - Primary Diet - mites, insect eggs, and small insects such as pink bollworm, cabbage loopers and whiteflies, but can survive on nectar and honeydew when prey are scarce. Studies have shown that nymphs can eat as many as 1600 spider mites before reaching adulthood, while adults have been reported consuming as many as 80 mites per day. | Size - 3 - 6 mm Preferred Habitat - fields, gardens, and turf grass. Particularly fond of goldenrod, soybeans, and pigweed. It is also a seed feeder (although its feeding does not damage plants). Provide a refuge by planting sunflowers. It is very susceptible to broad-spectrum pesticides, so avoid the use of these products. A water source is also helpful. Primary Predatory Stage - both nymphs and adults. | Special Notes - often confused with the true Chinch Bug, which is a pest. Recognizable by their proportionately large eyes. They develop with incomplete metamorphosis (there is no pupa) and take approximately 30 days to develop from egg to adult depending on temperature. Big-eyed bugs have piercing-sucking mouthparts and feed by stabbing their prey and sucking or lapping the juices. | 
| Big-Eyed bugs are easily distinguished by their unusually large eyes. Depending on species, they can be found in a variety of colors, but they all have large eyes that protrude from the head. | | Back To Top | Darners, Dragonflies and Damselflies Order: Odonata
Suborder: Epiprocta
Infraorder: Anisoptera
Families: Aeshnidae
Austropetaliidae
Cordulegastridae
Corduliidae
Gomphidae
Libellulidae
Macromiidae
Neopetaliidae
Petaluridae | Contains - 41 North American species in 11 genera represented in this family. Distribution - worldwide In the United States dragonflies and damselflies are sought out as a hobby similar to birding and butterflying, known as oding, from the dragonfly's Latin species name, odonata. Primary Diet - mosquitoes, and other small insects like flies, bees, ants, and butterflies (adults) Invertebrates or even vertebrates such as tadpoles and fish (nymphs) | Size - 60 - 120 mm Preferred Habitat - near still water with vegetation. Primary Predatory Stage - nymphs, but adults are also predatory. | Special Notes - Nymphs can deliver a painful bite when threatened. The wound should be cleaned thoroughly to prevent water-borne infections. Even though dragonflies possess 6 legs like any other insect, they are not capable of walking. Damselflies are often confused with newly molted dragonflies but once a dragonfly molts it is fully grown. Most damselflies hold their wings at rest together above the torso or held slightly open above, whereas most dragonflies at rest hold their wings horizontally or occasionally slightly down and forward. The eyes on a damselfly are apart; in most dragonflies the eyes touch. | 
Darner | 
Darner | 
Green Darner | 
Dragonfly | 
Dragonfly | 
Damselfly | 
Damselfly | | | Darner's can generally be distinguished from Dragonflies by their tail, which is generally more pointed, much like an old-style darning needle. Hence the name "Darner", whereas the tail of the dragonfly is broader and flatter. Both, the Darner and Dragonfly, in general, hold their wings erect, at a right angle to the body. Damselflies are generally much smaller than dragonflies and in general, hold their wings perpendicular to the body. Additionally, the eyes of the Damselfly are set apart, whereas the eyes of the Dragonfly are touching or nearly touching. In North America, there are clubs, groups and society dedicated Dragonflies, much like bird watching. Dragonflies have the ability to move up, down, forward and backwards in flight and have legs, but are unable to walk. | Rove Beetle Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Infraorder: Staphyliniformia
Superfamily: Staphylinoidea
Family: Staphylinidae | Contains - over 46,000 species in thousands of genera, the group is the second largest family of beetles after the Curculionidae (the true weevils). Distribution - worldwide Primary Diet - just about everything except the living tissues of higher plants. Most rove beetles are predators of insects and other kinds of invertebrates, living in forest leaf litter and similar kinds of decaying plant matter. Primary Predatory Stage - larva and adult | Size - 2 - 20 mm Preferred Habitat - every type of habitat that beetles occur in. Commonly found under stones, and around freshwater margins. Several types are known to live on ocean shores that are submerged at high tide, several species have adapted to live as inquilines ("an animal that inhabits the burrow, nest, or other habitation of another animal") in ant and termite colonies, and some live in mutualistic relationships with mammals whereby they eat fleas and other parasites, benefiting the host. | Special Notes - The rove beetle is attracted to death. It is drawn to carcasses, not by the meat, but by the smorgasbord of insects it attracts. The rove beetle feeds on the maggots, flies, and other beetles that gather around carcasses. When it runs it will often hold its tail end curled up like a scorpion does. | 
Rove Beetle - black | 
Rove Beetle - red and black | Rove Beetles often hold their tails arched over their backs when they move, much like a scorpion, but they are harmless. | | Back To Top | Minute Pirate Bug insidious flower bugs Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Cimicomorpha
Family: Anthocoridae | Contains - Distribution - worldwide Primary Diet - spider mites, thrips, whiteflies, small caterpillars, corn borers, leafhopper nymphs, and other small insects and eggs. Pollen and nectar sources when prey is scarce. Primary Predatory Stage - adult and nymphs | Size - 1.5 to 5 mm Preferred Habitat - Plant lots of pollen and nectar sources. Particular favorites are daisies, goldenrod, yarrow, alfalfa, and even stinging nettle. Provide perennials and shrubs with a spectrum of blooming times. You can also allow a corner of your garden to go a little "wild." Because it sucks juices from plants (without damaging them) the minute pirate bug is susceptible to pesticides. Avoid their use. Allow leaf litter to remain on planting beds to provide overwintering spots for adults. | Special Notes - they cut a hole into their prey, pump saliva into it and drink the contents. Orius insidiosus is often released in greenhouses against mites and thrips. They can and will bite humans, especially in late summer, with surprising pain for such a small insect. However, they do not feed on human blood or inject venom or saliva. | 
Pirate Bug | If you find this little guy, look but don't touch. They can inflict a bite that is disproportionately painful! Contrary to some myths, they do not such human blood. Their tendency to bite is heightened toward the end of summer and early fall and have a nasty disposition toward anyone or anything that disturbs them. | Hover Fly Order: Diptera Suborder: Brachycera Section: Aschiza
Superfamily: Syrphoidea Families: Syrphidae | Contains - about 6,000 species in 200 genera have been described. Distribution - worldwide, except Antarctica. Primary Diet - adults of many species feed mainly on nectar and pollen, while the larvae (maggots) eat a wide range of foods including aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, thrips and the leafhoppers. In some species, the larvae are saprotrophs, eating decaying plant and animal matter in the soil or in ponds and streams. In other species, the larvae are insectivores and prey on aphids, thrips, and other plant-sucking insects. Some adult syrphid flies are important pollinators. | Size - 5 - 18 mm Preferred Habitat - Good nectar sources are vital, so provide a variety of flowering plants. Choose ones with small, multiple flowers, such as alyssum, Iberis umbellata, statice, buckwheat, chamomile, parsley, yarrow. and goldenrod. Also try coreopsis, gaillardia, or coneflower. Locate flowers in a sheltered spot to provide protection from the wind. Avoid the use of pesticides. Primary Predatory Stage - larva | Special Notes - often confuse for wasps because of their black and yellow stripes, which a re a defense mechanism. Harmless to humans and animals. If the creature you are looking at has long antennae and a cylindrical abdomen, it is a wasp. If it has tiny antennae and a flattened abdomen, it's a hover fly. | 
Hoverfly 1 | 
Hoverfly 2 | 
Hoverfly 3 | 
Hoverfly 4 | 
Hoverfly 5
| Many Hoverflies closely resemble bees or small hornets, but they are harmless and cannot sting. Hoverflies get their name from their tendency to "hover" over flowers, etc. | | Back To Top | Tiger Beetle Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Adephaga
Family: Carabidae
Subfamily: Cicindelinae | Contains - about 2,100 species known, with numbers ranging much higher or lower depending on the authority consulted. Distribution - worldwide Primary Diet - ants, aphids, beetles, caterpillars, flies, grasshoppers, and other insects. Many species are diurnal (active during the day) and may be out on the hottest days. | Size - 10 - 20 mm Preferred Habitat - Create permanent perennial beds to provide safe cover. Leave some areas of open soil where the tiger beetle can easily spot and chase down its prey. The tiger beetle is often attracted to lights at night, so avoid the use of any insect light traps. Primary Predatory Stage - adult and larvae The larva live in burrows up to a foot deep and will grab and eat anything it can drag into the burrow. | Special Notes - some tiger beetles can run at a speed of 8 km/h (5 mph). For its size it has been suggested that they are technically the fastest running land animals. Can be found in a wide range of colorations with metallic colors, bold designs and all black colorations being the best known in North America. All have powerful mandibles (pincers), with the mandibles on some species being extremely large. Many can inflict an extremely painful pinch. They differ from ground beetles in that the head is wider than the thorax and normally have larger eyes. | 
Tiger Beetle nymph | 
Tiger Beetle 1 | 
Tiger Beetle 2 | 
Tiger Beetle 3 | 
Tiger Beetle 4 | 
Tiger Beetle 5 | 
Tiger Beetle 6 | | | Tiger Beetles come in blacks and a wide range of colors, often metallic and quite colorful. All can inflict a painful bite with their strong mandibles. Some can squirt a painful toxin at their attacker if threatened. Tiger Beetles are easily distinguished from other ground beetles by their head, which is as wide as their thorax. The head of the ground beetle is narrower. It has been estimated that if Tiger Beetles were proportionately as large as a human, they would be able to run at speeds of 200 to 300 miles per hour. | Carpenter Bee Order: Hymenoptera Suborder: Apocrita
Superfamily: Apoidea Families: Apidae Subfamily: Xylocopinae
Tribe: Xylocopini
Genus: Xylocopa | Contains - some 500 species of carpenter bee in 31 subgenera. Distribution - worldwide Primary Diet - pollen and nectar | Size - Preferred Habitat - provide flowering plants during all stages of growing season. Avoid pesticides, as they are highly suseptible. Primary Predatory Stage - not predatory. Good pollinator. | Special Notes - name comes from the fact that nearly all species build their nests in burrows in dead wood, bamboo, or structural timbers (except those in the subgenus Proxylocopa, which nest in the ground). Carpenter bee's are often considered pests because of this trait. Sometimes confused with bumblebee's. Male bees have no stinger and are harmless. Female bees do have a stinger, but are not aggressive, and will not sting unless directly provoked. | 
Carpenter Bee Note the blue eyes, characteristic of many species. | 
Carpenter Bee - black | 
Carpenter Bee Note pollen on its body as in other bees. Important pollination process. | 
Carpenter Bee - brown | | Most Carpenter Bee's are solitary insects that come in a variety of blacks and browns or black with brown to tan markings. Rarely with yellow markings as in Bumblebees. While normally extremely dossal and non-aggressive, they will deliver a painful sting if provoked. |
Back To Top This is just a sampling of some of the most common household bugs that are beneficial pest control bugs to found in the garden to control leaf bugs and other destructive pests. There are perhaps many more bugs species that could be presented, but time will not allow. It should also be remembered that, just like humans, just because a particular family is comprised of basically good guys, it doesn't mean that there are not a few "bad apples", as in the stink bugs. The opposite is equally true though as well as in Earwigs. There are families that are comprised of basically bad guys, but within the family, their are a few good guys. Then there are the misconceptions, misinformation and personal beliefs about a particular bugs species that leads one to believe a bug is good when in a all actuality it is either entirely or partially false. One such insect is the "Walking Stick". An ungainly and comical looking bug that is often believed to be good by many, and while it may occasionally take advantage of an insect meal if it presents itself, for the most part, it is a herbivore. Sucking sap from plants and trees. And lastly, there are the bugs that are basically considered beneficial, that for a part of their lives could be argued as being bad, or at least questionable. The dragonfly is one such insect. During its nymph stage, it is so voracious that a large part of its diet is tadpoles and small fish. Both of which are very beneficial. So, perhaps the world of "good guys" and "bad guys" is not quite so simple, clear or easily definable and one must weigh each as a whole with an eye to the overall well-being of the eco-system in question. No article on beneficial insects would be complete either, without at least making a note that there are members of beneficial insects that have been elevated to the status of "superstar". Sometimes deservingly, sometimes not, and how hype, misunderstanding and a lack of knowledge or understanding has led to a status that bears closer scrutiny. One such insect is not an insect at all, but rather is actually a member of the animal kingdom - the earthworm. While an invaluable asset in many ways, the earthworm is literally to blame for a great deal of unintentional and often undesirable eco-system damage and change, and the demise of many forms of plant life within given areas. Not to mention other undesirable realizations. Yet this is but one form of beneficial insect going amuck through man's well-meaning, but misguided intervention. Many more instances could be mentioned, but that would enter into an entire article in and of itself. Perhaps, the answer lies in a more "Zen" approach of doing no harm to any living creature. As for me, I choose something more "middle-ground". Leave all that lives, to live on in peace as long as a balance can be achieved. But, when that balance is lost, and any creature gets out of hand, then I will intervene with as much force as necessary to achieve that balance once again. the "Hillbilly Gardener" Back To Top |
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Bon-Neem Concentrate, 1 pint This certified organic insect spray belongs in the tool shed of every gardener. It works on a wide variety of pests including aphids, mites, white flies, flea beetles and earwigs. It even kills scale on your houseplants and tent caterpillars that destroy your trees. It contains natural potassium salts and potent neem tree oil, and is safe for use on food crops right up to the day of harvest. Kills dozens of insect pests: caterpillars, earwigs, white flies, flea beetles, leaf hoppers, mealy bugs, scale, spider mites, thrips and many more! Available in convenient ready-to-use spray bottle or an economical concentrate Please note: These item cannot be shipped to California; the Concentrate cannot be shipped to New York 1 quart spray bottle is ready to use 1-pint concentrate makes 5 gals spray Certified organic Active ingredient: Potassium salts of fatty acids 1.5% (0.32% derived from Neem seed oil) 
Liquid Fence Concentrate, 1 Qt Many natural pest repellents work on taste, but this one repels by smell, so your plants won't suffer even a nibble. Its non-toxic egg-and-garlic formulation is easy to apply and lasts a full month. Liquid Fence protects your flowers, shrubs, even hosta — a deer favorite! Earth-friendly, all-natural repellent! One application lasts 30 days Works to repel rabbits as well as deer Available in a 1-quart ready-to-use spray bottle or an economical 1-quart concentrate Concentrate makes 4 gallons of spray Made in USA 
Garden Dust 1 lb Our one-step Garden Dust controls a wide array of pests and diseases on flowers and vegetables. Effective against such insects as aphids, cabbage worms, harlequin bugs, bean beetles, Japanese beetles, stink bugs, thrips, and more. It also controls diseases like bacterial spot, blights, and powdery mildew. Active ingredients are copper sulfate and rotenone A must-have for organic gardeners Please note: These items cannot be shipped to California due to state restrictions Dust kills aphids, thrips, mites, Japanese beetles, cabbage worms, striped cucumber beetles, asparagus beetles, bean beetles, leaf rollers, melon worms, squash bug nymphs, stink bugs and more 1 lb covers approx 1,000 sq ft. Can measures 3- 5/8" diameter x 6- 1/2" high w/shaker top 
Sluggo Plus Slugs, cutworms, earwigs, pillbugs and snails are some of nature's most damaging garden pests. These super-effective pellets are a combination of two natural pesticides: iron phosphate and spinosad. Just sprinkle around areas you want to protect. 1 lb. treats 2000 square feet and lasts up to 4 weeks. Protect your prize hostas, ripe strawberries and lettuce Rid your garden of slugs in 3 to 6 days Pellets are clean and easy to use Also effective on earwigs, cutworms, sowbugs, pillbugs and snails Contains iron phosphate and spinosad Can be used to protect both edibles and ornamentals 1-lb. box 
Slug-X Trap Leave it to a gardener in rainy England to improve on the tried-and-true "beer cup" method of trapping slugs. The Slug-X Trap has a low roof that keeps beer bait fresh and concentrates its enticing aroma. Inside, three large reservoirs vanquish an army of slugs and snails???dozens a night in badly infested gardens! Best of all, Slug-X doesn???t need to be buried, so it can be relocated easily without leaving holes behind. Cover concentrates the beer aroma to attract slugs Move it anywhere in your garden???no digging required 10¼" L X 8" W X 2¼" H Holds 1¾ cups liquid 
Diatomaceous Earth, 1-1/2 Lbs. Made from the mineral remains of single-cell aquatic plants, Diatomaceous Earth is a super-fine dust that kills by abrading and dehydrating crawling insects. Controls slugs, ants, cockroaches, earwigs, fleas, and other crawling insects. Apply with a duster or spread by hand For use indoors or out Box is 10-7/8" high, 6-15/16" wide, 2-5/16" deep Made from the fossilized shells of ancient sea life 
Slug Traps, Set of 2 Nestle these hand-carved soapstone mushroom-shaped slug traps into a corner of your garden, and fill with beer; slugs crawl in and don't crawl out. Tops come off to empty and refill. Natural, non-toxic slug control Traps look like charming garden accents Set of 2 traps Natural soapstone; color may vary 5" diameter x 4" H each Gardener's Supply Exclusive 
Jewel-Tone Wasp Trap, Green A little sugar water in the bottom of these pretty glass jars will lure wasps inside, where they can???t escape. Hang overhead or set on a nearby table for wasp-free dining. Pretty and practical way to trap wasps Attract wasps, hornets and yellow jackets with a little sugar water Hang up or set on a tabletop away from active areas Enjoy wasp-free dining! Note: In case you are ordering this item as a gift and it is the only item on your order, please be aware that there is a picture of the item on the outside of the shipping box Made of heavy-duty glass Steel hanging loop 5" in diameter x 8-1/2" H 
Beneficial Bugs Garden Pack Why fight pest outbreaks one at a time, when you can control 250 pests naturally, all season long? The Beneficials Garden Pack includes three species of efficient pest-eaters that (unlike chemical controls) won't harm plants, earthworms, or humans. And you never have to reapply! Orders are shipped from March to November, based on weather conditions Faster shipping is not available for this item Sorry, no shipments to AK, HI, PR or VI Would you like to specify a delivery week? Call us at 1-888-833-1412 to place your order Pack includes 1,000 ladybugs (Hippodamia convergens), 1,000 lacewing eggs (Chrysoperla carnea), and 1,000,000 beneficial nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) Gardener's Supply Exclusive 
Grasshopper Control, 1 Lb. When grasshoppers swarm, they can outnumber any other pest, and they'll eat anything green, from grass to irises, hostas to roses. They are the #1 problem in the South, and can overrun northern gardens if the summer is hot and dry. Now you can fight back with our all-natural, earth-friendly Grasshopper Control. Potent biological control is safe for people and pets Spreads rapidly as healthy grasshoppers eat sick ones Orders are shipped by growing zone from March to September Not sure of your zone? Our Zone Finder tool can help! Faster shipping is not available for this item Sorry, no shipments to AK, HI, PR or VI Would you like to specify a delivery week? Call us at 1-888-833-1412 to place your order! 1 lb treats one acre Controls 58 species of grasshoppers, locusts and crickets Reaches maximum effectiveness in 3 to 6 weeks Active ingredient: Nosema Locustae spore 
Citronella Rope Candle Every guest is sure to admire this unusual candle. But it???s more than a conversation piece since the wax coil contains 6% citronella oil, about twice the power found in most citronella candles. The thin coil ensures that all the wax is burned, and none goes to waste. Double the power of most citronella candles Coil construction means no wax is wasted Hurricane glass (included) protects flame from wind Total burn time is about 95 hours Citronella Rope Candle Refills are also available Candle is approx. 5" diameter x 4" H Candle made of paraffin, palm oil, beeswax and citronella oil Steel base with glass chimney Chimney is 6-1/2" diameter x 10-1/2" H To assemble, fit wax rope into clamp Never leave a burning candle unattended Do not position rope candle more than 3" above clamp Trim wick to 1/8" for a slow burn Burns for 23 minutes per inch, approx. 95 hours total 
Citronella Rope Candle Refill Keep your Citronella Rope Candle burning all summer long with this refill—21 feet of wax rope, coiled to look like a pillar candle. Clean-burning wax German cotton wick Citronella Rope Candle (base included) is sold separately Candle refill is approx. 5" diameter x 4" H Made of paraffin, palm oil, beeswax and citronella oil Do not position rope candle more than 3" above clamp Trim wick to 1/8" for a slow burn Never leave a burning candle unattended Burns for approx. 23 minutes per inch, up to 95 hours total 
Reversible French Door Screen, 72" For a fraction of the cost of a permanent screen door, these self-closing bug barrier screens will keep bugs out of your house all summer, and store out of the way at season???s end. Magnetic tabs sewn along the center opening close the screen after you, so it???s impossible to leave it open by mistake. Its quality is far superior to other models, with tough, fine-weave fiberglass mesh that keeps bugs out, while allowing kids, pets and cool breezes through. Tough, fine-weave fiberglass mesh keeps bugs out, lets breezes, kids and pets through Covers the entire width of French or double doors Installs in minutes without tools Perfect for the patio or deck Can be removed in seconds for storage Available in two widths to fit French or double patio doors We also offer Hands-Free Bug Screens for single doors Made of sturdy fiberglass mesh 60" is adjustable to fit doorways 59-61" 72" is adjustable to fit doorways 70-71" Length adjusts from 78-80" H Screen adjusts to open on either right or left side Attaches with a tension rod at the top and Velcro™ strips at sides: will not damage doorframe 
32" Hands-Free Bug Screen For a fraction of the cost of a permanent screen door, this self-closing, Hands-Free Bug Screen will keep bugs out of the house all summer. Its quality is far superior to other models, with tough, fine-weave fiberglass mesh that keeps bugs out, while allowing kids, pets and cool breezes through. Magnetic tabs close screen after you???it's impossible to leave it open by mistake Extra-fine mesh stops the tiniest bugs Easy to store out of the way at the season's end Available in two widths for single doors We also offer French Door Screens 32" W fits doors 30-33" wide 36" W fits doors 32-38" wide Both sizes can be adjusted from 78" to 80" H Made of sturdy fiberglass mesh Attaches with a tension rod at the top and Velcro™ strips at sides: will not damage doorframe 
Citronella Tea Lights, Set of 8 These Citronella Tea Lights are perfect for outdoor entertaining on summer evenings. Keep mosquitoes at bay Use in the decorative Carved Soapstone Tea Light Holder Also fit into our Pond Float Sold in sets of 8 Yellow wax with natural citronella oil in aluminum cup 
Pond Float Our decorative glass float does double duty to repel mosquitoes. It holds a Citronella Tea Light to repel adult mosquitoes. A Mosquito Control Ring fits underneath and slowly dispenses an organic insecticide to control mosquito larvae. An attractive way to fight mosquitoes Repels adult mosquitoes above the water and controls larvae below Works with Citronella Tea Lights and Mosquito Control Rings, sold separately Float is 4-3/4" diameter x 3" H Made of speckled glass Gardener's Supply Exclusive 
Mosquito Control Rings, Set of 6 Any standing water can breed swarms of mosquitoes, even your birdbath or rain barrel. Our Mosquito Control Rings contain Bt 'Israelenis,' a naturally occurring bacterium that kills mosquito larvae for a full 30 days. Each slow-release, floating Control Ring treats 100 square feet of surface area in your pond or water garden. Control mosquitoes naturally Rings last for a month Each ring treats 100 square feet Rings measure 2-1/4" in diameter by 3/4" thick Each ring, placed in water, controls 100 square feet of water surface area, no matter how deep Can be stored in a dry, cool area for up to two years 
Extra Bait We've tried many kinds of Japanese beetle traps and lures, and we have found the Catch-Can dramatically superior to all others. Its double bait system (a floral and a pheremone lure) attracts up to 5 times as many beetles as single bait traps. Reusable collection canister is vented to prevent odors. Sturdy construction guarantees years of service. Extra Bait and optional Metal Stand available separately. Plastic canister holds up to 400 beetles Bait lasts one season 
Summerweight Garden Fabric 6' x 50' Ideal for summertime pest control, this garden cover effectively screens out Japanese beetles, potato beetles, cabbage worms, leaf miners, carrot flies and most vine borers. It transmits 85% of the light to your plants, without allowing heat build-up, and it provides frost protection down to 28?? F. Thicker and more durable than other lightweight fabrics, yet doesn't let plants overheat Protects your plants from insect pests, cold temperatures and too much sun 85% Light transmission Cold protection to 28 degrees F Made of featherweight polypropylene Gardener's Supply Exclusive |
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