Pests or Not? Which Bugs are Actually Good for Your Garden

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In this article, we’re exploring a variety of different bugs and looking into which might actually be a positive thing to have in your garden. It is easy to assume that insects and bugs can be a bad thing, we spend our time trying to get rid of them when they infest our homes, but actually, some of them (in moderate numbers) can be good for your garden.

There are over a million different types of insects in the world and some of them will be pretty useless or even have a negative impact on your yard, but we’ve listed some of the best and explained why they can be so helpful here.

How bugs can be beneficial?

There are three types of ways bugs can help, and categories in which we can put these insects: pollinators, de-composers or predators.

Pollinators are able to spread pollen and help the reproduction of crops and flowers. There has been a lot made of how important bees are to humanity in recent years, and these are an example of a pollinator. We rely on these and they can help your garden stay healthy.

Decomposers are another category. These help by feeding on pretty much anything they find! Things like dead plants and anything which is rotting. They aren’t fussy about what they consume and this makes them perfect for getting rid of old unwanted waste in the garden. and spiders are examples of these types of bugs.

The other category is the predator insect. These include ladybugs and lacewings, they are insects which can consume  and kill the bugs which we don’t need and want in our garden. Those which kill our crops and plants are not wanted. In turn, these can feed birds and hedgehogs and help to build the ecosystem which we need in order for our backyard to function properly.

Which bugs are good to have in your garden/house and why?

Ladybugs

Ladybugs are good to have around as they can eat aphids and even the eggs of pests, they also eat nymphs of whiteflies before they develop. You can encourage ladybugs by planting marigolds and cabbages.

Damselflies and Dragonflies

Dragonflies and damselflies are really important when it comes to ensuring the mosquito population doesn’t rise and they feed on the larvae of many pests when they are in their developed stage. Often, they will only be found near water.

Mantis

Some people think that the Mantis is endangered, but this is a myth. They’re going strong and can nest in your backyard. They do eat bees, but also aphids and other creatures which may be out to feast on your plants and crops.

Syrphid Fly

These are easy to confuse with bees and wasps. They actually eat a lot of aphids and the mothers even lay eggs among the colonies to ensure that their young constantly have food.

Green Lacewing

Lacewings don’t look like they could do much harm, but they absolutely can when it comes to feasting on garden pests to benefit such as mites and aphids. Planting Coriander and Fennell can help to attract these into your garden to patrol the unwanted mites.

Parasitic Wasp

Parasitic Wasp is one of the strangest looking bugs on our list and also one which has a lot of benefit to the garden. They don’t tend to sting humans and are known for parasitizing a lot of different pests including grubs, caterpillars and earworms. Their unique appearance means you may not recognize one if you see it.

Assassin Bug

Intimidating by name, and sometimes even intimidating by nature. Don’t worry, they won’t hurt humans unless they are backed into a proverbial corner, but they can certainly rule the roost in your backyard.

They feast on a huge amount of the pests to benefit that can pose a threat to your plants in the garden, and for this reason, they are one of the most helpful creatures to have inhabit your backyard. Because of this, they are even one of the few types of bugs you can buy from a garden center in order to aid your pest control and avoid having to use other pest controls.

Most Common Pests in Las Vegas

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Pests exist pretty much anywhere in the world in one way or another. In Las Vegas, Nevada, the climate is very hot and is home to a certain number of pests which are pretty dangerous (not to mention annoying). Infestation is a real issue and you should be on the lookout for some of the more common pests in Las Vegas. Some pests carry an immediate threat, others are less of a direct threat. However, by knowing how these pests can impact your life you will know how best to treat them.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are common in a lot of different areas and certainly aren’t unique to Las Vegas. A variety of different types of cockroaches can be found all over Nevada and they can all be very dangerous if they infest your home or business. Cockroaches reproduce very quickly meaning you might have a huge amount of them to deal with very soon. Also, they’re hardy, meaning they survive in a lot of different conditions. They also carry a number of diseases. They can carry pathogenic microbes which can be extremely hazardous.

Rats

ratRats such as the Norway rat are common in Las Vegas and can survive in urban and suburban areas. Rats are another species which can be hardy and take a lot to kill off, meaning pest control is the best way to ensure they don’t become a long-term issue. Rats are aggressive, but the main way they cause an issue is by carrying disease. Leptospirosis is an example of a disease they can cause in humans. They are responsible for spreading plagues, after all. Rats also reproduce very quickly and can be very tough to get rid of. Hiring a rodent control professional is always recommended to get rid of rat infestations, and to prevent further infestations.

Scorpions

Scorpions are a pest which can be found in Las Vegas but not in many other parts of America. Scorpions including the very dangerous Arizona Bark Scorpion can be found in Nevada and the Las Vegas Valley. These scorpions can deliver stings which can be fatal or cause comas and other awful repercussions. Other scorpions may just have the capacity to give a nasty sting. They are not something to take a chance with, nor are scorpions a species of pest you can really deal with yourself, so professional scorpion control help can be needed to avoid them entering the home.

Spiders

Black Widow Spider

A huge amount of people are scared of spiders, and Las Vegas is one of the areas where it makes sense to be. Some of the species found can be very dangerous.

The Desert Recluse spider can be found in the area and if they bite you and infect you with their venom it can cause nasty skin lesions.

The more widely-known Black Widow is also in the area. Its bite is unlikely to be fatal but can cause tachycardia, spasming, cramps and muscle issues, and you can experience these symptoms for weeks if bitten.

Camel Spiders are another species of spider found in the area. These are not usually fatal either, but they are very fast, larger than the average spider and can lay up to 200 eggs at a time, which can lead to an infestation. These spiders have been subject to many urban myths and legends and though they’re not as bad as often made out, they are still far from ideal to have to deal with in your home.

Africanized Honeybee

These bees are also known as “Killer Bees”. They actually have a growing population in the southern states whereas many bees are decreasing in numbers. Africanized Honeybees have a really powerful and painful sting, and though there are some myths about how powerful they are, this bee is very defensive. If irritated it can become aggressive and even pursue people before stinging them. Africanized bees are often more likely to attack in numbers, which can be fatal to humans.

All of the pests listed above can be found in Las Vegas, and all carry very different threats. They should be dealt with thoroughly and in a professional way to ensure they do not pose a significant problem for you, your home, your business, and your family.

Warning Signs of Pests in Your House

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One of the frightening things about pests is the fact that they can enter your home without you even noticing. Infestations can start in areas of your home such as basements and attics or even under floorboards, and you may not know before they have become a really difficult problem. Wherever you’re living, and whichever types of pests you are most likely to come across, it is important that you know what the signs of pests are. This way, when you spot something unusual you may be able to identify it as being an unwanted creature (or group of creatures) to enter into your home and cause a nuisance.

In this article, we’ve identified some of the common warning signs of pests, which are listed below. Be warned that these are not the only signs of pests. Depending on which type of animals you may be dealing with, there could be more. These are all relatively common and causes for concern.

Droppings

Spotting droppings is always a big cause for concern. If you visit the basement or the attic, or perhaps are just looking in a utility room or outbuilding and notice some fecal matter, it may well have come from rats or mice making their way in via an infestation. This poses a big problem.

Rat and mouse droppings may be relatively easy to spot, however, some smaller creatures it may be more difficult. You can inspect closely, but ultimately, it might be in your interests to call in the professionals to make sure any droppings are spotted, and the culprits get dealt with in the right way.

Odd Odors

Our sense of smell is designed to help us out, not just as a way to tell if food is going to be delicious or not. We have evolved so that smells we find unpleasant are often this way for a reason as our body warns us off them. These smells can be moldy food, waste, or in this case, pests. Many pests carry unpleasant smells from the fact they dwell in sewers and carry all sorts of diseases. If you notice a new odor and don’t have an explanation for it, pests might be the issue.pest signs

Odd Sounds

Pests are often very quiet, and over televisions and sound systems you’re not likely to notice them. However, if you get to the evening time and suddenly notice scratching or tapping when you are trying to fall asleep, this may be because of pests in your home. Not all pests can be 100% silent all the time, and in silence, you may notice their noises.

Holes and Gnaw Marks

If you spot holes and gnaw marks around the home it can be a sign that pests are trying to burrow and nest within your house or outbuilding. Gnawing could be on a piece of furniture or door frame, but could also be plants, electrics or just about anything else in the house. Mice and rats may also create holes in floorboards or old rotting wood which can help them to nest and get around the area more quickly. If you have holes it is likely the pests have been around for a while.

What to Do?

Pests shouldn’t be taken lightly. They carry diseases and can be very dangerous to you, your family, your pets and your home.

If you have any suspicion of pests being present in your home or spot some of the signs we’ve listed here, it is time to take action. There are some DIY options with traps and poisons, but most of the time it is recommended that the professionals deal with your infestations. Otherwise, who is to tell that the issue has been fully dealt with? Pest professionals are trained not only to get rid of the pests which are creating the problem, but also to work out the root of the issue and ensure they’re unlikely to return. Catching one mouse doesn’t mean that others won’t have a route in.

Start by requesting a consultation and explaining the issue and the signs you have seen to a pest removal professional. You can include photographic evidence, too, which may better help them to identify the problem.

Whatever you do, don’t ignore the pest problem as it will only get worse.