- Multiple types of insects help keep lawns pest-free and healthy.praying mantis image by Michael Cornelius from Fotolia.com
Insects are a common sight on lawns across the country. The presence of multiple species of insects on a lawn is a positive sign, as many types of insects are carnivorous and will readily feed on other insects that can damage grasses. When it comes to insects, diversity is a good thing, and the presence of a few common types of insects can serve as an indicator of a healthy lawn. - Ants help break down organic material in lawns.ant image by FttSniper from Fotolia.com
The presence of ant populations in small numbers is beneficial for lawn health. Ants remove dead organic material from the lawn as they build nests and forage for food, which helps increase the nutrient content of the lawn. Many species of ants will also prey on soft-bodied and larval stages of insect species that can cause damage to lawns. Ants can become a problem, however, if their populations grow too large, as tunneling and large nests can dry out soils and damage root systems of grasses. Fire ants are an exception and may require chemical controls, as their nests are much larger and the impact on lawns from their complex tunnel networks and large population of worker ants can be visibly damaging. - Beetles help control pests.beetle image by Marek Kosmal from Fotolia.com
Ground beetles are the most common type of beetle in the U.S. There are over 2,200 species in North America, and though they vary in their appearance, most are shiny black or metallic. They are primarily nocturnal hunters, though they are easy to find crawling through lawns during the day when their hiding place is disturbed. Ground beetles are excellent pest control insects, as they come out at night to feed on unsuspecting snails, maggots, caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects that can damage lawns. - Ladybugs are adept predators of other insects.ladybug image by Marek Kosmal from Fotolia.com
The small, brightly colored ladybug, also known as lady beetle and ladybird beetle, is an adept predator. There are over 450 species of ladybugs native to the U.S. and almost all species will actively hunt down and feed on a variety of lawn-damaging insects such as aphids, mites, mealybugs and the eggs of unwanted insects. Ladybugs can often be bought at garden supply stores as a biological pest control. Planting brightly colored flowers such as tulips can help attract ladybugs to your lawn. - Earwigs are harmless insects that help control pests.european earwig (forficula auricularia) image by Henryk Dybka from Fotolia.com
While earwigs are often feared for their distinct pincers located on their rear, they are a harmless to humans. Earwigs are omnivorous and feed on both plants and other insects. Some species are more carnivorous than others, but all will feed on insects such as aphids if they come across them. Earwigs are nocturnal and prefer dark, damp spaces to rest in during the day, making their presence in lawns difficult to detect. - Praying mantids will eat a variety of other insects.praying mantis image by TMLP from Fotolia.com
Praying mantids are large, carnivorous insects that feed on anything they can catch. They are difficult to spot, especially in lawns, as they tend to remain still and blend in with the surrounding grass. Mantids are voracious predators and will eat any insect that passes by, including other beneficial insects. Though praying mantids do not discriminate in their diet and their presence can damage populations of beneficial and damaging insects alike, they are an excellent indicator of a diverse insect population as they are a relatively rare insect. The praying mantis is also one of the only insects fast enough to capture moths, mosquitoes and other nocturnal insects.
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