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Insect Friendly Gardens

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Updated: August 18, 2023

Insects: Our Most Under-Appreciated Neighbors

Are insects bugging you? Very few (less than 1% of species) are pests. Most insects provide vital benefits to people and the environment. Before reaching for pesticides to kill insects around your home, learn about them and what they do-- we're here to help!
a green beetle with six white spots is resting on a human hand - this is a non-harmful insect
Updated: August 17, 2023

Outdoor Insects in the Home Landscape

Most of the insects in the home landscape are beneficial. Learn to identify them and attract them to the garden. Learn to identify and manage other insects that may cause problems.
spicebush swallowtail caterpillar
Updated: March 1, 2023

Pollination Basics

What is pollination and how does it work? Pollination is the process by which plants reproduce and create seeds. Some plants are pollinated by wind and others by animals (pollinators) that move pollen from one plant to another.
sweat bee on a flower
Updated: September 15, 2023

Flower Fly

Flower flies are a natural predator of aphids. Flower flies are mainly nonselective pollinators, feeding on nectar and pollen from a variety of plants and agriculturally important crops.
adult flower fly sitting on a white flower
Updated: September 13, 2023

Pollinator Gardens

When planning a pollinator garden, remember that pollinators need what every animal needs: food, shelter, water, and space to raise a family.
skipper insect on a black-eyed susan flower
Updated: August 16, 2023

Parasitoids

Parasitoids are small insects whose immature stages develop either within or attached to the outside of other insects, referred to as hosts.
braconid wasp
Updated: July 20, 2023

Tachinid Fly

Tachinid flies are among the many beneficial flies that prey on garden pests.
tachinid fly on white flowers
Updated: July 20, 2023

Parasitoid Wasps

Parasitic wasps (in the order Hymenoptera) provide beneficial services in gardens and landscapes.
braconid wasp adult and cocoons
Updated: June 21, 2023

Leafcutter Bees on Shrubs and Flowers

Leafcutter bees cut circular or c-shaped sections from leaves of plants such as redbud, serviceberry, and rose.
redbud tree with holes from leafcutter bees
Updated: June 15, 2023

Aphid Parasitoids

Aphid parasitoids are very tiny wasps that lay their eggs in aphids.
aphid parasitoid wasp