Many people shudder at the thought of bugs crawling around their homes. They grab the nearest can of insecticide and get to spraying without realizing the important roles that certain bugs play in our ecosystem. While some bugs may not be the most aesthetically pleasing to look at, there are actually quite a few that can provide benefits to our homes. In this blog post, we’re going to dive into the world of beneficial bugs and why you may want to think twice before getting rid of them.
Inside:
• House Centipedes
First up on our list is the house centipede. Though they may look scary with their many legs and fast movement, these bugs actually serve as an important pest control agent. House centipedes feed on other bugs like cockroaches, ants, and spiders, keeping them from becoming a nuisance in your home. They also don’t carry any diseases or pose any harm to humans, so there’s no reason to fear them.
• Ladybugs
Ladybugs aren’t just cute little bugs with spots, they’re also excellent at controlling plant-destroying pests. Ladybugs will happily devour aphids, mites, and other small insects that can ruin your garden or indoor plants. They’re harmless to humans and their bright colors can even brighten up a room.
• Spiders
Spiders may not be everyone’s favorite bug, but they have an important role to play in the ecosystem. They are natural predators and help to control other bugs in your home. Plus, the majority of spiders are completely harmless to humans. If you’re still not sold on keeping spiders around, try catching them with a glass and piece of paper and releasing them outside instead of squishing them.
Outside:
• Butterflies
Butterflies are not only beautiful to look at but their presence in your garden or landscaping can indicate a healthy ecosystem. Butterflies thrive on nectar from flowers and can help to pollinate them. Some species of butterflies also act as natural pest control agents. For example, the larvae of the cabbage white butterfly will feed on cabbage worms and other pests that can damage your garden.
• Bees
Bees are arguably the most important beneficial bug. They are necessary for the pollination of about a third of our food crops and contribute billions of dollars to the global economy. While it may not be practical to keep bees inside your home, planting bee-friendly flowers in your garden can help to support their populations.
As you can see, there are many bugs that are actually beneficial to have inside and outside your home. Instead of immediately resorting to insecticides, try to identify the bugs you come across and see if they could be helpful instead of harmful. By allowing these beneficial bugs to thrive, you’re not only doing your part to support the ecosystem, but you’re also creating a more natural and healthy environment for yourself and your family.
