Good bugs

Are there any good bugs? If so, why do we need them? Even if you despise bugs of all sorts, usually even the “bad bugs” have at least one redeeming quality. 

They protect our gardens, crops, and lawns. 

Before you start stomping, do a little research. Don’t kill the one thing that might be saving your tomatoes! There are more than 1.5 million known insect species in the world and more than 97 percent are beneficial to gardens. 

If they aren’t helping your gardens and plants, most bugs are simply gently or kind. Don’t go stomping and spraying everything that crawls and flies.

Before you stomp and spray, ask yourself:

• Is the bug eating your plants, grass, garden?
• Does the eating appear to be doing damage to the plant?
• Is there one bug or is there an infestation ? 

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these, you may have a “bad bug”. 

Bad Bugs

In our region of the South, bugs that are considered to be bad include chinch bugs and white grubs. These insects attack our lawns and cause damage. An infestation of pests like army worms is another example of “bad bugs”.

There are good bugs and we do need them. 

When ladybugs or lady beetles are found on a crape myrtle, they have typically laid hundreds of eggs right in middle of the aphids. As soon as the eggs hatch, Lady bugs begin feasting on aphids. They can rescue a crape myrtleand even a crop from aphids if the timing is right! 

The larvae of Green Lacewing eat aphids and other insects that destroy our lawns. 

Brachonid Wasps lay eggs on the very destructive Tomato Horn Worm. When their eggs hatch, they eat the horn worm. 

Bad bugs get all of the attention. 

Let us help you get rid of the bad bugs and we will leave the good ones alone. Our licensed professionals know good bugs versus bad bugs and are glad to come to evaluate your situation. 

You can spot our trucks all over North Mississippi and in the Memphis, TN area. Ask Paul and  Learn more about “The Lawn and Pest Difference”.