If you’ve been following our blog for a while then you’re probably already familiar with the more common and beneficial insects that may inhabit your garden. You know—spiders, ladybugs, bees and more! However, we cannot forget about the lesser known summer garden insects that you may see from time to time.

Here is a list of insects that you should definitely be on the lookout for this season:

#1: Mantis

The praying mantis has a very big appetite! This is beneficial to both you and your garden, as it will eat just about anything that fits in its mouth. From those pesky mosquitoes and moths to something as big as a lizard or frog, the praying mantis’ stomach may never seem full. Named for its “praying” position, it’s relatively easy to spot these critters in your garden!

#2: Green Lacewings

Given its name, the net-like wing of this insect looks similar to that of lace. Its softer and finer body often confuses other insects because this bug is actually a predator. The green ropes feed on aphids, thrips, mites and other bugs that tend to gnaw on your garden’s leaves. But fear not, these insects do not bite or harm humans as other insects do in summer!

#3: Braconid wasps

When people think of wasps, it’s easy to think of the big, scary, and noxious wasps that easily sting and sting. What people don’t usually think about is the wasp. They do have a sting—but these insects are more interested in feasting on caterpillars, grubs, and aphids than humans. So, you’re in luck! Having these wasps in your garden can be more beneficial than not!

#4: Beneficial Nematode

Okay, here we are out! This microscopic parasite that lives in the soil is extremely beneficial to the health of your garden. They seek out various hosts to live in, killing the host in the process. When the host dies, it becomes food for other insects and critters to feast on.

#5: Earthworms

After a rainstorm, it’s easy to see earthworms scurrying around on the driveway or in the grass. But, did you ever know what earthworms are actually good for? They are nature’s most efficient composters! They enrich the earth by keeping moist mulch, soil and sand well aerated. Many gardeners call this type of rich soil “black gold.”

#6: Ground beetles

These night crawlers are shiny and black! They usually hide under logs and rocks, and cling to snails, slugs, and other hard-shelled insects—which they make their hosts. Because of their nocturnal nature, they are the proctors of the night while other insects sleep! Both adult and larval ground beetles feed on mites, slugs, snails, and more.

The list goes on!

There are thousands of other insects that are not commonly known as beneficial, but we hope that this small list will grow your library a little more. Visit our website to learn about other beneficial summer garden insects!