Did you know that most of those creepy crawly or flying pests around have a purpose in our gardens? Here is just a few ways your garden is helped by the creatures you might not have known actually helped you.
No one enjoys having bees buzz around their head but without bees over 100,000 plant species would cease to exist! Bees help pollinate flowers and plants, and are responsible for the existence of many flowers. Bees love flowers that close at night. This is the reason why bees are only buzzing around during the day time. Bees are also attracted to the flowers that are bright in color and have a strong fragrance. When bees feel the rise in humidity, they will return to their hives to avoid the coming rain.
Earth worms are another garden companion you want to have around. They are a natural fertilizer in your garden. They ingest soil and organic matter equal to the amount of their body weight each day. They also have the power to move stones that weigh 50 times their own weight. Coffee grounds will attract worms to your garden.
Although many people think of centipedes just as pests, these reddish-brown, flattened, arthropods are actually helpful. They usually have between 30 and 80 legs. They are totally carnivorous, feeding on live insects and other small animals. They do not damage plants. They are a natural predator of vine weevil eggs and grubs, so leave them alone when you might see them.
Dragonflies can fly up to 20 miles per hour, being one fo the few that can hover and fly backwards. These insect-devouring hunters should be a welcome sight in any garden, consuming gnats, midges, beetles, moths, and mosquitos. More than 400 dragonfly and damselfly species inhabit North America.
