A majority of the insects you see in your garden don’t harm plants and are, in fact, “beneficials” because they benefit your garden by improving soil, pollinating plants and eradicating destructive pests.

While many gardeners wage war against pests with chemicals, an army of beneficial insects quietly performs nature’s pest control, often more effectively and with none of the environmental drawbacks. These garden allies deserve not only our appreciation but our active cultivation.

Green lacewings are perhaps the most beautiful of these beneficial predators. With delicate, transparent wings and bright green bodies, these insects might look fragile, but their larvae are voracious hunters nicknamed “aphid lions” for good reason.

A single lacewing larva can consume up to 200 aphids, or other small prey, weekly. The adults typically feed on nectar and pollen, making them excellent pollinators, while their offspring handle pest control. Their dual service makes them particularly valuable in any garden ecosystem.

Soldier beetles, related to fireflies but without the light-producing organs, are another powerful ally. These slender, soft-bodied beetles earned their name from their colourful markings resembling British military uniforms.

Both adults and larvae are predatory, targeting aphids, caterpillars, and consuming grasshopper eggs. The adults supplement their diet with pollen, making them useful pollinators as well. Their ability to move easily between plant........

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