Creepy Crawlers

Do they cause more harm than good?

There are those that are fascinated with those creepy, crawlies that God has blessed us with on this earth, but which ones do we let make a home in our lawns and gardens? Besides water, soil, and great weather there are some actual creatures, insects, and animals that do more good than harm for our lawns. We were all taught that bees help pollinate the flowers and different plants and birds drop seeds that they’ve collected and to help grow trees, but there are other species out there that help a lot more than you could ever imagine.

Friend or Foe

Of the approximately 1 million known insect species in the world, only 0.5% damage crops. In fact, predatory insects such as ground beetles increase crop yields by keeping weeds and pest species in check. Without bees, which along with other pollinators contribute billions of dollars’ worth of ecological services annually, we’d no longer have delicious foods like blueberries and tomatoes. Certain beetles are one of nature’s most effective cleanup crews. They help animal carcasses decompose and keep your landscape looking and of course smelling a lot better than it could be.

Birds of a feather flock together.

By creating a bird-friendly landscape, you help create a mini ecosystem in your yard that supports abundant, beneficial wildlife from the lawn to the trees. You’ll find that bees, moths, and butterflies also feast on the nectar and seeds or take up residence in your bushes and trees to shelter or raise their young. Many birds are beneficial, but there are instances when birds can be a pest. Remember that the right species of bird in your yard will do a world of good to reduce unwanted insects. If rodents are more of a concern than insects, larger birds can be useful.