If only we humans could claim to be the most productive species on our planet, but that title goes to the insect world. Yes, 97% of insects contribute to our ecosystem, and our way of life depends on them. Beneficial insects are essential to the biological control of harmful insects in our homes, yards, gardens and crops. They are a food source for birds, lizards, frogs and other small animals. Our world is a cleaner and healthier place because of the work they do.
Beneficial insects can be divided into four categories: predators, parasitoids, decomposers/recyclers and pollinators. While there are many examples of insects in each category, we can focus on just a few.
Predators such as lady beetles (ladybugs), lacewings, hover fly larvae, and soldier beetles all feed voraciously on aphids, which cause millions of dollars of crop damage worldwide and are a nuisance to many home gardeners. Dragonflies are an effective natural predator of mosquitoes and their larvae, while arachnids, i.e., spiders, are often the most important way to naturally control insect population pests.
