5 Insects You Should Actually Want Around Your Plants

1. Braconid Wasps

The adult female of this species injects its eggs into host insects, including caterpillars, moths, beetle larvae, and aphids. The larvae then feed inside their hosts, and the host dies once the larvae have completed development. Grow nectar plants with small flowers, such as dill, parsley, wild carrot, and yarrow, to bring them to your garden

2. Lady Beetles

Adult lady beetles eat aphids, mites, and mealybugs, and their hungry larvae do even more damage to garden pests. Plant angelica, coreopsis, dill, fennel, and yarrow to attract them.

3. Soldier Beetles

The soldier beetle feeds on aphids and caterpillars, as well as other insects—including harmless and beneficial species. Attract this flying insect by planting catnip, goldenrod, and hydrangea.

4. Spined Soldier Bug

The spined soldier bug’s pointed “shoulders” distinguish it from the peskier stink bug. Plant permanent beds of perennials to provide shelter for this predator of hairless caterpillars and beetle larvae.
Tachinid Flies

5. Tachinid Flies

Showcased as one of the Amazing Pictures Of Bugs That Benefit The Whole Ecosystem, the tachinid fly larvae burrow their way into many caterpillars, destroying these garden pests from the inside. Plant dill, parsley, sweet clover, and other herbs to attract adult flies.