{"id":14906,"date":"2019-06-03T14:51:15","date_gmt":"2019-06-03T17:51:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=14906"},"modified":"2026-03-24T22:56:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T01:56:36","slug":"beneficial-insects-lawn-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\/","title":{"rendered":"Beneficial Insects for Your Lawn and Garden, Plus Where to Buy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Not all lawn bugs are bad guys. Ladybugs, ground beetles, lacewings, and other beneficial insects actively protect your grass and garden plants from destructive pests around the clock.<\/p>    <p>The challenge? Knowing which bugs to welcome and how to keep them around. Many homeowners accidentally kill their garden&#8217;s best defenders while trying to eliminate the bad ones.<\/p>    <p>With tips from 2 experts, this guide identifies the most helpful lawn and garden insects, explains what they do, and shows you how to attract them naturally, or where to buy them if needed.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Need professional lawn care that works with nature?<\/strong> Get a quote from LawnStarter&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=mowing\">local lawn care pros<\/a> who understand beneficial insect management.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 Ladybugs, lacewings, and ground beetles are among the most effective beneficial insects for lawns.<br>\u2022 Native plantings and reduced pesticide use are the best ways to attract beneficial insects naturally.<br>\u2022 Beneficial insects are available online from $6 per egg case to $40+ for specialist species.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-d38447cb-d504-4e3c-a761-0c1609cac9d7\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\"><strong>In this article:<\/strong><\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\/#0-common-lawn-and-garden-pests-controlled-by-beneficial-insects-\" style=\"\">Common Lawn and Garden Pests Controlled by Beneficial Insects<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\/#1-the-most-beneficial-lawn-insects-\" style=\"\">The Most Beneficial Lawn Insects<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\/#5-the-most-helpful-garden-insects-\" style=\"\">The Most Helpful Garden Insects<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\/#12-generalists-vs-specialists\" style=\"\">Generalists vs. Specialists<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\/#13-how-to-attract-and-encourage-beneficial-insects-naturally-\" style=\"\">How to Attract and Encourage Beneficial Insects Naturally<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\/#17-where-to-buy-beneficial-insects-and-what-they-cost-\" style=\"\">Where to Buy Beneficial Insects and What They Cost<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\/#20-frequently-asked-questions-\" style=\"\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-common-lawn-and-garden-pests-controlled-by-beneficial-insects-\"><strong>Common Lawn and Garden Pests Controlled by Beneficial Insects<\/strong><\/h2>    <p>Understanding which beneficial insects target which pests helps you make smart purchasing and habitat decisions:<\/p>   \n<table id=\"tablepress-347\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-347\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\"><strong>Pest Problem<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"column-2\"><strong>Beneficial Insect Solution<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"column-3\"><strong>How It Works<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Aphids on grass and plants<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Ladybugs, lacewings, aphid midges, hoverflies<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Predators eat dozens of aphids daily<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">White grubs in lawn<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Ground beetles, beneficial nematodes<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Beetles eat larvae; nematodes infect and kill<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Caterpillars on vegetables<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Braconid wasps, praying mantises, soldier beetles<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Parasitic wasps lay eggs inside host; beetles and mantises hunt<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Spider mites and thrips<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Minute pirate bugs, predatory mites, lacewings<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Active hunters use piercing mouthparts to kill on contact<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Scale insects<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Predators pierce armor; wasps lay eggs beneath scales<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Whiteflies<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Lacewings, minute pirate bugs, parasitic wasps<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Predators eat whitefly nymphs and adults; wasps parasitize nymphs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-347 from cache -->    <p><strong><br>How Beneficial Insects Protect Your Lawn and Garden<\/strong><\/p>    <p>Unlike chemical treatments that kill everything and require repeated applications, beneficial insects target the pests that damage your plants and turf. Think of them as your lawn&#8217;s immune system.<\/p>    <p><strong>Here&#8217;s what beneficial lawn insects and garden bugs do for you:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Natural pest management<\/strong>: They hunt and consume harmful insects like aphids, grubs, caterpillars, and mites before populations explode<\/li>    <li><strong>Reduced chemical use<\/strong>: Fewer pesticide applications mean less exposure for your family, pets, and local wildlife.<\/li>    <li><strong>Cost savings<\/strong>: A single ladybug eats <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ag.ndsu.edu\/news\/columns\/dakota-gardener\/dakota-gardener-do-not-buy-ladybugs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">up to 5,000 aphids<\/a> in its lifetime, per North Dakota State University \u2014 that&#8217;s real money in prevented plant damage.<\/li>    <li><strong>Pollination services<\/strong>: Many beneficial insects double as pollinators, helping flowering plants and vegetables produce fruit.<\/li>    <li><strong>Improved soil health<\/strong>: Decomposer insects break down organic matter, releasing nutrients and enriching your soil naturally.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p>The presence of these helpful bugs creates a balanced ecosystem where pest problems rarely escalate to crisis levels.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-the-most-beneficial-lawn-insects-\"><strong>The Most Beneficial Lawn Insects<\/strong><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"433\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Beneficial-Lawn-Insects-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Collage of three beneficial insects showing a ladybug, ground beetle, and praying mantis on leaves and natural surfaces.\" class=\"wp-image-147290\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Beneficial-Lawn-Insects-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Beneficial-Lawn-Insects-1-300x162.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Beneficial-Lawn-Insects-1-656x355.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Beneficial-Lawn-Insects-1-150x81.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Beneficial-Lawn-Insects-1-768x416.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Collage of most beneficial lawn insects. <br>Photo Credits: Ladybug: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/ladybug-on-leaf\/432665329\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pavel<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock. Ground Beetle: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/carabus-scabrosus-caucasicus-common-name-huge-violet-ground-beetle-is-a-species-of-predatory-beetle-feeding-on-terrestrial-molluscs-mainly-land-snail\/367759192\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Armen<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock. Praying Mantis: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/a-close-up-view-of-a-praying-mantis-on-a-wood-table-in-the-spring-natural-background-concept\/459907023\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">daphnusia<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>For aphids, grubs, and other lawn pests, beneficial insects such as ladybugs and ground beetles may offer relief.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-ladybugs-lady-beetles-\"><strong>Ladybugs (Lady Beetles)<\/strong><\/h3>    <p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> Controlling aphids<\/p>    <p><strong>Ladybugs rank as the single best insect for lawn pest control.<\/strong> These iconic red-and-black beetles hunt aphids \u2014 the tiny insects that create sticky black honeydew on grass blades and stunt lawn growth.<\/p>    <p>Both adult ladybugs and their larvae (which look like tiny alligators) actively hunt aphids, with larvae being more voracious eaters.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-ground-beetles-\"><strong>Ground Beetles<\/strong><\/h3>    <p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> Eliminating white grubs<\/p>    <p>Ground beetles are jet-black or dark brown beetles that hunt at night along the soil surface. They feed on white grubs \u2014 the C-shaped larvae that chew through grass roots \u2014 as well as cutworms and armyworms that can devastate turf overnight.<\/p>    <p>They hide under mulch and leaf litter during the day, then emerge at night to patrol your lawn.<\/p>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong><br><br>\u2013  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/signs-lawn-has-grubs\/\">How to Tell If You Have Grubs in Your Lawn: 6 Warning Signs<\/a><br>\u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/home-garden\/lawn-grubs-how-kill\/\">Lawn Grubs: How and When to Kill Them<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/signs-lawn-has-grubs\/\"><br><\/a>\u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-get-rid-of-cutworms\/\">How to Get Rid of Cutworms<br><\/a>\u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/how-to-get-rid-of-armyworms-garden\/\">How to Get Rid of Armyworms in the Garden<\/a><\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-praying-mantises-\"><strong>Praying Mantises<\/strong><\/h3>    <p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> General pest control and reducing mosquito, fly, and grasshopper populations<\/p>    <p>These distinctive insects bring both pest control and visual interest to your landscape. Praying mantises eat almost any insect they can catch.<\/p>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/how-to-get-rid-of-mosquitoes-in-yard\/\">How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Your Yard<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-the-most-helpful-garden-insects-\"><strong>The Most Helpful Garden Insects<\/strong><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Helpful-Garden-Insects.jpg\" alt=\"Collage of six helpful garden insects including hoverflies, green lacewings, braconid wasps, bees, aphid midges, and spiders.\" class=\"wp-image-147101\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Helpful-Garden-Insects.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Helpful-Garden-Insects-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Helpful-Garden-Insects-656x328.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Helpful-Garden-Insects-150x75.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Helpful-Garden-Insects-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Collage showing six helpful garden insects. <br>Photo Credits: Hoverfly: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/a-hoverfly-eating-from-a-daisy-flower\/122927235\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Marc Goldman<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock. Green Lacewing: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/side-view-of-a-green-lacewing-chrysopidae-family-sitting-on-a-vine-leaf\/629048378\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Damian<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock. Braconid Wasp: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/braconid-wasp-seen-at-night-resting-on-a-tree-leaf-in-houston-tx\/240254630\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Brett<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock. Bee: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/a-bee-collects-honey-from-a-flower\/321224659\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">schankz<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock. Aphid Midge: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/willow-carrot-aphid-cavariella-aegopodii-hunted-by-larva-of-an-aphidoletes-aphidimyza-commonly-referred-to-as-the-aphid-midge-on-a-leaf\/511848336\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tomasz<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock. Spider: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/black-and-yellow-garden-spider-argiope-aurantia-known-as-other-names-writing-spider-or-banana-spider-or-corn-spider-on-the-web-in-the-garden-background-summer-in-ga-usa\/220302084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Anchasa<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Beyond lawn insects, several beneficial bugs specialize in protecting vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants:<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-hoverflies-flower-flies-\"><strong>Hoverflies (Flower Flies)<\/strong><\/h3>    <p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> Controlling aphids on vegetables<\/p>    <p>Despite looking like bees, hoverflies don&#8217;t sting. Their larvae are avid feeders \u2014 a single maggot consumes <a href=\"https:\/\/hyg.ipm.illinois.edu\/article.php?id=1079\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">up to 400 aphids<\/a> before reaching maturity. Adult hoverflies continue feeding while also pollinating flowers.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-green-lacewings-\"><strong>Green Lacewings<\/strong><\/h3>    <p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/how-to-get-rid-of-mealybugs-plants\/\">Controlling mealybugs<\/a>, aphids, and scale insects&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Both adult lacewings and their larvae feed heavily on soft-bodied pests. Lacewing larvae are called &#8220;aphid lions&#8221; \u2014 they use curved, hollow mandibles to inject paralyzing venom, then consume their prey.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-braconid-wasps-\"><strong>Braconid Wasps<\/strong><\/h3>    <p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> Controlling caterpillars, aphids, and beetle larvae<\/p>    <p>These tiny parasitic wasps pose no threat to humans. Females inject eggs directly into host insects. You&#8217;ll see their work when caterpillars have white, rice-like cocoons attached.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-bees-\"><strong>Bees<\/strong><\/h3>    <p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> Pollination<\/p>    <p>While primarily known as pollinators, bees indirectly support pest control by promoting overall plant health. Healthy, vigorous plants better resist pest damage.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care\/bee-lawn-low-maintenance-lawn-alternative\/\">&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>    <p>Learn how to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/build-bee-lawn-pollinators\/\">plant a bee lawn<\/a> to help pollinators.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-aphid-midges-\"><strong>Aphid Midges<\/strong><\/h3>    <p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> Controlling aphids on roses and ornamentals<\/p>    <p>These specialized predators target <a href=\"https:\/\/content.ces.ncsu.edu\/aphid-predatory-midge\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">over 60 species<\/a> of aphids. The larvae paralyze aphids with toxic saliva, then feed on their prey, making them invaluable where aphid populations explode quickly.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-spiders-\"><strong>Spiders<\/strong><\/h3>    <p><strong>Best for:<\/strong> Controlling mosquitoes, flies, and moths<\/p>    <p>Though technically arachnids, spiders deserve mention for their pest control contributions. Garden spiders build webs that trap flying insects, while hunting spiders actively stalk prey without webs.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-generalists-vs-specialists\">Generalists vs. Specialists<\/h2>    <p>Beneficial insects also differ in how broadly they hunt. Knowing the difference can help homeowners choose the right insect for a specific pest problem. <\/p>    <p>Generalist predators eat a wide range of insects \u2014 both harmful and beneficial \u2014 while specialist predators target specific pests and rarely harm other insects.<\/p>    <p>&#8220;Specialists like ladybugs and lacewing larvae are effective during heavy aphid infestations because they consume hundreds of aphids and focus on them,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uncp.edu\/about\/directory\/rita-hagevik.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rita Hagevik<\/a>, professor of biology at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.<\/p>    <p>\u201cRelying only on a generalist predator might not be enough, as they can&#8217;t keep up during an aphid outbreak. A balanced ecosystem with both types is ideal.&#8221;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-how-to-attract-and-encourage-beneficial-insects-naturally-\"><strong>How to Attract and Encourage Beneficial Insects Naturally<\/strong><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/blossom-plant-white-flower-bloom-botany-1121375-pxhere.com_.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"closeup of white flowers of common yarrow plant\" class=\"wp-image-70573\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/blossom-plant-white-flower-bloom-botany-1121375-pxhere.com_.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/blossom-plant-white-flower-bloom-botany-1121375-pxhere.com_-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/blossom-plant-white-flower-bloom-botany-1121375-pxhere.com_-646x485.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/blossom-plant-white-flower-bloom-botany-1121375-pxhere.com_-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/blossom-plant-white-flower-bloom-botany-1121375-pxhere.com_-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Closeup of yarrow plant. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/pxhere.com\/en\/photo\/1121375\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pxhere<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p><a href=\"https:\/\/entomology.umn.edu\/people\/vera-krischik\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vera Krischik<\/a>, entomology Extension specialist with the University of Minnesota, says, \u201cThe best way to increase beneficial insect abundance is to plant a seasonal display of nectar and pollen plants, which is called pollinator conservation, but also conserves good bugs.\u201d<\/p>    <p>To do this, \u201cuse heirloom varieties and native plants that produce seeds,\u201d and \u201c(avoid) double flowers or annuals that have been bred not to produce pollen and nectar.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14-plant-native-flowering-plants-\"><strong>Plant Native Flowering Plants<\/strong><\/h3>    <p>Native flowers provide nectar and pollen beneficial insects need. Landscapes with diverse <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/best-pollinator-garden-plants\/\">native pollinator plantings<\/a> support significantly more beneficial insect species than non-native ornamentals.<\/p>    <p><strong>Top plants:<\/strong> Yarrow, dill, fennel, goldenrod, coneflowers, or alyssum<\/p>    <p>&#8220;Plant diverse, continuous groups of native wildflowers that offer nectar and pollen from early spring to late fall,&#8221; says Hagevik. &#8220;This provides a reliable food source and attracts a healthy population of predatory insects all year.&#8221;<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15-create-habitat-and-shelter-\"><strong>Create Habitat and Shelter<\/strong><\/h3>    <p>Beneficial bugs need shelter, in addition to food sources, to survive and thrive:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Leave some leaf litter and plant debris in garden beds.<\/li>    <li>Maintain mulched areas where ground beetles can hide.<\/li>    <li>Avoid fall cleanup until spring (many insects overwinter in plant stems).<\/li>    <li>Allow clover, dandelions, and wild violets in low-traffic lawn areas for early-season nectar.<\/li>    <li>Provide shallow water sources.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/were-thinking-over-why-we-kill-clover\/\">8 Reasons to Plant a Clover Lawn<\/a><\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"16-minimize-pesticide-use-\"><strong>Minimize Pesticide Use<\/strong><\/h3>    <p>Even organic pesticides kill beneficial insects. When you must treat a pest problem:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Spot-treat affected areas only.<\/li>    <li>Apply in the evening when beneficial insects are less active.<\/li>    <li>Wait 2-3 weeks after application before releasing purchased insects.<\/li> <\/ul>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Want a landscape designed to support beneficial insects?<\/strong> Find one of LawnStarter\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/landscaping\">local landscaping pros<\/a> who can create pollinator-friendly plantings.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"17-where-to-buy-beneficial-insects-and-what-they-cost-\"><strong>Where to Buy Beneficial Insects and What They Cost<\/strong><\/h2>    <p>Purchase beneficial insects when dealing with active infestations or new landscapes lacking resident populations.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"18-reputable-sources-\"><strong>Reputable Sources<\/strong><\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Amazon<\/li>    <li>Planet Natural<\/li>    <li>Arbico Organics<\/li>    <li>Nature&#8217;s Good Guys<\/li>    <li>Gurney&#8217;s Seed &amp; Nursery<\/li> <\/ul>    <p>Always verify the supplier guarantees live delivery and provides release instructions.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"19-typical-costs-\"><strong>Typical Costs<\/strong><\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Praying mantises<\/strong>: $6-$12 per egg case (200+ nymphs)<\/li>    <li><strong>Ladybugs<\/strong>: $9-$25+ per 1,500 insects<\/li>    <li><strong>Green lacewings<\/strong>: $10-$35+ per 1,000 eggs<\/li>    <li><strong>Beneficial nematodes: <\/strong>Prices range from $15 to $40 for 5 million<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"20-frequently-asked-questions-\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1773914213130\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do Beneficial Insects Work in All Climate Zones?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Most beneficial insects adapt to local conditions across North America. In USDA hardiness zones 6-10, they typically maintain resident populations year-round with proper habitat. Zones 3-5 may require annual replenishment since extreme cold limits overwintering survival.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1773914220792\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Long Does It Take to See Results After Releasing Beneficial Insects?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Predatory insects like ladybugs begin hunting immediately, with visible pest reduction within 3-7 days. Parasitic insects take longer since their larvae must develop inside host pests \u2014 expect 2-4 weeks for impact.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1773914226226\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the Different Types of Beneficial Bugs?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">When identifying beneficial insects for lawn health and garden success, it helps to understand their roles. These helpful bugs fall into 4 functional categories:<br><br><strong>\u2022<\/strong> <strong>Predators<\/strong> hunt and eat smaller pests throughout their lives (ladybugs, ground beetles, praying mantises).<br><strong>\u2022<\/strong> <strong>Parasites<\/strong> lay eggs inside or on pest insects; hatching larvae feed on their host, eventually killing it (braconid and other parasitic wasps).<br>\u2022 <strong>Pollinators<\/strong> transfer pollen while feeding on nectar, producing fruits and seeds (bees, butterflies, hoverflies, green lacewings).<br>\u2022 <strong>Decomposers<\/strong> break down dead plant material, releasing nutrients and enriching soil (ground beetles).<br><br>Most beneficial soil insects perform multiple functions. A ground beetle might eat grubs, consume dead vegetation, and occasionally pollinate flowers all in one day.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1773914238842\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Do I Release Beneficial Bugs in My Lawn?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Follow these tips for success:<br><br>\u2022 Mist the area first \u2014 light humidity encourages settling.<br>\u2022 Release the bugs at dusk or night.<br>\u2022 Release near known pest populations for immediate food sources. Krischik says, \u201cIf you do not feed them, they will fly away, and you will receive no benefit.\u201d<br>\u2022 Provide shallow water sources.<br><br>For ladybugs: Refrigerate 1-2 hours before release to slow activity, then set free on damp grass at nightfall.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"21-building-a-balanced-lawn-and-garden-ecosystem-\"><strong>Building a Balanced Lawn and Garden Ecosystem<\/strong><\/h2>    <p>Whether you attract beneficial insects naturally or purchase them for active infestations, the result is the same \u2014 fewer pest problems and a healthier lawn and garden.<\/p>    <p><strong>Ready to transform your lawn with professional care that works with nature?<\/strong> Get free quotes from <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=mowing\">LawnStarter&#8217;s local lawn care experts<\/a> who understand beneficial insect management and organic lawn health.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-04fcfc98-6246-4e08-ba2e-8690cbe55266\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-04fcfc98-6246-4e08-ba2e-8690cbe55266\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-04fcfc98-6246-4e08-ba2e-8690cbe55266\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-04fcfc98-6246-4e08-ba2e-8690cbe55266\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Vera Krischik, associate professor and Extension specialist, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN. Personal interview.<\/li>    <li>Rita Hagevik, professor and Director of Graduate Programs, Science Education, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Personal interview.<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p>Main Image: Ladybugs clustered on flower stem and bloom. Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/daisy-flowers-and-four-ladybugs\/477650012\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mehmetkrc<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ladybugs eat 5,000 aphids. Ground beetles destroy grubs. Discover which beneficial insects protect your lawn and garden, plus where to buy them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52,"featured_media":147109,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[9],"class_list":["post-14906","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-2","tag-lawn-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/ladybugs-closeup.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Amanda Shiffler","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/amanda-shiffler\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Beneficial Insects for Your Lawn and Garden, Plus Where to Buy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ladybugs eat 5,000 aphids. Ground beetles destroy grubs. Discover which beneficial insects protect your lawn and garden, plus where to buy them.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Beneficial Insects for Your Lawn and Garden, Plus Where to Buy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Ladybugs eat 5,000 aphids. Ground beetles destroy grubs. Discover which beneficial insects protect your lawn and garden, plus where to buy them.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Lawnstarter\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-06-03T17:51:15+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-25T01:56:36+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/ladybugs-closeup.jpg?wsr\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"780\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Amanda Shiffler\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Amanda Shiffler\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Amanda Shiffler\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/212659f95dc7e445f0bc8c0ed08f971d\"},\"headline\":\"Beneficial Insects for Your Lawn and Garden, Plus Where to Buy\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-06-03T17:51:15+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-25T01:56:36+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1766,\"commentCount\":4,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2019\\\/06\\\/ladybugs-closeup.jpg?wsr\",\"keywords\":[\"lawn care\"],\"articleSection\":[\"General Lawn Care\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\\\/\",\"name\":\"Beneficial Insects for Your Lawn and Garden, Plus Where to Buy\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2019\\\/06\\\/ladybugs-closeup.jpg?wsr\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-06-03T17:51:15+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-25T01:56:36+00:00\",\"description\":\"Ladybugs eat 5,000 aphids. 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These helpful bugs fall into 4 functional categories:<br><br><strong>\u2022<\\\/strong> <strong>Predators<\\\/strong> hunt and eat smaller pests throughout their lives (ladybugs, ground beetles, praying mantises).<br><strong>\u2022<\\\/strong> <strong>Parasites<\\\/strong> lay eggs inside or on pest insects; hatching larvae feed on their host, eventually killing it (braconid and other parasitic wasps).<br>\u2022 <strong>Pollinators<\\\/strong> transfer pollen while feeding on nectar, producing fruits and seeds (bees, butterflies, hoverflies, green lacewings).<br>\u2022 <strong>Decomposers<\\\/strong> break down dead plant material, releasing nutrients and enriching soil (ground beetles).<br><br>Most beneficial soil insects perform multiple functions. 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Zones 3-5 may require annual replenishment since extreme cold limits overwintering survival.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\/#faq-question-1773914220792","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\/#faq-question-1773914220792","name":"How Long Does It Take to See Results After Releasing Beneficial Insects?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Predatory insects like ladybugs begin hunting immediately, with visible pest reduction within 3-7 days. Parasitic insects take longer since their larvae must develop inside host pests \u2014 expect 2-4 weeks for impact.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\/#faq-question-1773914226226","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\/#faq-question-1773914226226","name":"What are the Different Types of Beneficial Bugs?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"When identifying beneficial insects for lawn health and garden success, it helps to understand their roles. These helpful bugs fall into 4 functional categories:<br><br><strong>\u2022<\/strong> <strong>Predators<\/strong> hunt and eat smaller pests throughout their lives (ladybugs, ground beetles, praying mantises).<br><strong>\u2022<\/strong> <strong>Parasites<\/strong> lay eggs inside or on pest insects; hatching larvae feed on their host, eventually killing it (braconid and other parasitic wasps).<br>\u2022 <strong>Pollinators<\/strong> transfer pollen while feeding on nectar, producing fruits and seeds (bees, butterflies, hoverflies, green lacewings).<br>\u2022 <strong>Decomposers<\/strong> break down dead plant material, releasing nutrients and enriching soil (ground beetles).<br><br>Most beneficial soil insects perform multiple functions. A ground beetle might eat grubs, consume dead vegetation, and occasionally pollinate flowers all in one day.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\/#faq-question-1773914238842","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/beneficial-insects-lawn-garden\/#faq-question-1773914238842","name":"How Do I Release Beneficial Bugs in My Lawn?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Follow these tips for success:<br><br>\u2022 Mist the area first \u2014 light humidity encourages settling.<br>\u2022 Release the bugs at dusk or night.<br>\u2022 Release near known pest populations for immediate food sources. 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