Harmful vs. Friendly: Which Insects Are Helping Your Tree?

Because many insects are harmful to humans and plants, you may believe that all bugs are bad. However, that’s not true—some insects are only here to help. When you see bugs in your yard or garden, it’s easy to believe they’re causing damage or spreading disease. Fortunately, various insects play a significant role in plant health. Follow along to learn which insects are helping your trees.

Dragonflies and Damselflies

Dragonflies and damselflies are beneficial insects, as they prey on harmful bugs. They tend to make their homes near water and lay their eggs there. Interestingly, their eggs hatch into larvae that feed on the larvae of other flying insects in the area. You may also know that flies, gnats, and mosquitos gravitate toward the water; dragonflies and damselflies play a significant role in keeping harmful insect populations in check.

Lady Beetles

Lady beetles, also known as ladybugs, are extremely helpful for your garden. Aphids are the most common harmful insects, and they can cause the death of an otherwise healthy tree. As you can imagine, keeping aphids away from plants and trees is crucial; fortunately, lady beetles consume large quantities of aphids and mealybugs. However, lady beetles will also feed on pollen if no other insects are available, which will help pollinate your plants.

Honeybees and Bumblebees

Many people are afraid of honeybees and bumblebees, but they’re generally harmless. In fact, bees work to pollinate a wide variety of plants. Although they will sting when provoked to defend themselves or their hives, bees aren’t an aggressive species. If you see honeybees or bumblebees in your yard, that’s a positive thing—they’re pollinating your yard to continue the cycle of healthy plants, trees, and crops.

Braconid Wasps

Braconid wasps are one of many wasp types. Although they also aid in pollination, it’s not their primary job; instead, they’re great friends to vegetable gardeners. Hornworms are incredibly destructive when it comes to tomatoes and other vegetable plants, but braconid wasps use these creatures as a host for their eggs. Interestingly, braconid wasps lay their eggs in hornworms, taking over their bodies and producing more wasps.

Now that you know which insects are helping your trees, you can buy apple trees online to continue furthering your gardening knowledge. Insects are inevitable outdoors, but knowing which ones are friendly is the best way to determine whether you have a pest issue.