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Bugs 101

Beneficial Insects

You'll find many helpful insects, earthworms and other organisms in your yard.

 ladybird beetle (ladybug) larva Predatory insects include commonly seen ladybugs, lacewings, aphid-lions (lacewing larvae), flower fly larvae, ground beetles and dragonflies that feed on pests.
 parasitic wasp Parasitic insects are commonly tiny ichneumon wasps or flies that develop inside or on pest insects, eventually killing them.
 bee Pollinators play an essential role in plant reproduction while feeding on nectar or pollen and include bees, butterflies, moths and some flies.
  Soil dwellers include earthworms and other decomposers that breakdown organic matter into soil promoting natural fertility and aeration. Micro-organisms like beneficial bacteria and fungi further break it down to release nutrients for plant growth.

Pests and Diseases

Here are just a few of the harmful insects and plant diseases to look out for.

mosquito    Yard Pests
 satin moth caterpillar   Tree Pests
 black knot disease   Tree Diseases
 gypsy moth   Potential Invaders

 

Additional Information

Identifying the good, the bad and the ugly
Since beneficial insects may be mistaken for pests, it's a good idea to check with your local garden centre or the City's Pest Management Unit to correctly identify a pest or problem. You can drop off your specimens to the Pest Management Unit on the main floor at 12304 107 Street, between 8am and 4pm, Monday through Friday.

 		  butterfly
    Alternatives to using chemicals on your yard are a better choice for a healthy environment in the long term.