Seasons are changing, and most bugs will soon be gone. However, bugs can get a bad reputation. Some of them are essential for the environment and gardens. Let’s discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly regarding these creatures.
Friend or Foe? Many people (including myself) are terrified of these creepy crawlers in close encounters with them. Spiders get a bad reputation, but in fact, spiders are one of the good bugs. Most spiders will eat the annoying flies or bad bugs that are around. When you encounter a spider inside the house or apartment, try to capture it with a cup and return it outside. Of course, you’ll want to ensure it is not a poisonous spider. Most smartphones will identify bugs when you take a picture of them. Other “good” bugs include butterflies, bumblebees, ladybugs, fireflies and earthworms. These insects are vital in pollination, pest control and soil health. When you see an earthworm, pat yourself on the back, knowing you have healthy soil! To attract more of these good bugs, plant native plants and try to avoid pesticides.
Now, let’s discuss some of the “bad” bugs. When it comes to ladybugs, there is another imposter that looks very similar to ladybugs but is invasive to homes and is aggressive. Unlike the harmless, pretty and environmentally friendly ladybug, this one is called the Asian ladybeetle and has a “M” shaped spot on the head and smells. If you find these bugs coming in, look around windows and doors and seal off openings. Other bad bugs include cockroaches, bedbugs, fleas and ants that invade kitchens. If you are a property owner or manager, do a thorough clean-up after move-outs to ensure there is no pest problem, especially when it comes to bedbugs. Bedbugs can hide in baseboards, inside electrical outlets, under loose wallpaper or in the seam where the wallpaper and ceiling meet. Bedbugs can quickly spread to other units, so address the problem sooner rather than later. Cockroaches carry all kinds of diseases, especially the small ones. Check behind refrigerators and underneath sinks. And, of course, we all know about those pesky sugar ants. Use some vinegar and cinnamon around the cracks of the doors and windows to prevent them from coming inside.
Lastly, when it comes to bugs and insects, the ugly ones are always a concerning topic. However, some ugly bugs are not harmful. For example, the praying mantis eats destructive bugs and insects like grasshoppers. Some insects are parasitic and lay their eggs inside a host. When the eggs hatch, the larvae eat the host from the inside out. Talk about gruesome but highly effective—one parasitic wasp prey entirely on fire ant colonies. If you notice any giant gnarly-looking black bugs flying around the yard, it could be a Tiger Bee Fly, sometimes called a “vampire” bee because it lays fertilized eggs in a carpenter bee nest. When the larvae hatch, they consume the living carpenter bee larvae before the bees can mature enough to escape. Carpenter bees are destructive for anything wooden outside, such as decks, so next time you see this ugly vampire bee, know they are doing an excellent job of keeping your deck in one piece.
So next time you’re in close contact with a creepy crawler, instead of freaking out, take the time to notice it and determine if this is a good, bad or ugly bug. Remember to keep your renter’s insurance updated so that in case you or any guests have any accidents with harmful bugs, you will be covered!
