Though many bugs and other creatures can cause serious headache for homeowners or anyone managing a garden, there are plenty of critters that actually serve a number of benefits. These may promote healthy plant growth, provide aesthetic beauty or even prey on pests that can otherwise cause damage.
Next time you head outside, see if you can spot these helpful animals in your back lawn or garden.
Dragonflies
Better Homes and Gardens reported that these flying insects are great because they eat up smaller, more annoying bugs. Dragonflies do best in areas where there is access to water, where they sweep across the surface to catch mosquitos and other creatures. Children love dragonflies and they evoke a certain sense of imagination, but they also provide a unique pest control service.
Frogs and toads
Another backyard mainstay that is fun to observe and a helpful insectivore are the various species of frogs and toads that may turn up in your yard. For homeowners with any sort of water feature, frogs are likely frequent visitors.
Smaller species can eat insects that might otherwise terrorize your yard, while the American Bullfrog can even feast on small rodents or birds. These frogs have ferocious appetites and will eat insects, spiders and anything else they can get ahold of.
Daddy longlegs
Mites, aphids and other small garden pests are the perfect food for daddy longlegs, the National Wildlife Federation reported. Also called harvestmen, these arachnids aren't actually true spiders. All the same, they are effective predators that will roam your garden and eat up insects that may otherwise damage your plants.
Hummingbirds
Though it would be hard for anyone to consider the hummingbird a pest, it can be easy to overlooked just how impressive and important these visitors can be to your garden. Though other species such as bats and insects are considered critical pollinators to flowering plants, few are as attractive as the hummingbird.
As these birds go from flower to flower drinking up nectar, they inadvertently become dusted with pollen, which they transfer between individual plants. This promotes good health and breeding, all while the hummingbird enjoys a sweet, tasty treat.
Garter snakes
When it comes to keeping rodents in check, garter snakes and other common serpents are perfect because they are not venomous or large enough to pose a risk to humans or pets. Some areas of the country may have to contend with larger, more dangerous species of snake, but the smaller varieties can help you keep unwanted pests away from your backyard.
Earthworms
As Better Homes and Garden pointed out, the humble earthworm is a homeowner's best friend for keeping a healthy lawn or garden. These little bugs aerate the soil and provide natural fertilizer to plants. At the same time, these worms feast on dying or decaying plant matter, which is useful for maintenance and keeping nutrients from being wasted. According to the source, there may be as many as 1.5 million earthworms in a single acre of land, a testament to these amazing creatures.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
It's finally here - sweet, sweet summertime at last! But has your time outside already been rudely interrupted by swarms of pesky bugs trying to take a stab at you? This season, let's say no more to swatting, slapping or clapping at these insects who seem to be tormenting innocent outdoors enthusiasts every year. Fortunately, the solution isn't as chemical ridden as you might think. As it turns out, some of your favorite scents are insects least favorite.
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
The customer is always right, and this is especially true if he or she is complaining about seeing a mouse or cockroach. Pests have no place in your organization, as bugs and rodents will turn away potential business or even lead to a possible lawsuit. Keeping your company protected requires a proactive approach. Work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best ways to stop creatures from infesting your business. Here are just a few ideas for successfully mitigating and preventing any issues:
You might see an influx of rodents at this time of year, because as the weather cools mice and rats seek warmth anywhere they can find it. Unfortunately, that often means inside residential homes. Many homes may experience rodent infestations at this time of year more than any other. Whether they're getting into your garage, basement or kitchen, it's important to put a stop to them before the problem becomes too serious and requires the intervention of a professional pest control agency.
Though many bugs and other creatures can cause serious headache for homeowners or anyone managing a garden, there are plenty of critters that actually serve a number of benefits. These may promote healthy plant growth, provide aesthetic beauty or even prey on pests that can otherwise cause damage.
Summer is almost here and before you head out on a family trip or even if you travel for work, consider doing a little research so you become familiar with bed bugs. This will help you identify them quickly and it could keep you from bringing them home unknowingly!
